DR Congo draw with Portugal, earn first World Cup point and goal

Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated a historic moment at the World Cup, earning their first point and scoring their first goal in a 1-1 draw against Portugal. Yoane Wissa's equalizer deep into first-half added time secured the draw, marking a significant achievement for the team in their first appearance since 1974.

“

It is important to celebrate. It’s our first point and our first goal scored in a World Cup. I am proud of my players, and I told them it was important to rest ahead of the next games (against Colombia and Uzbekistan).

Coach Sebastien Desabre acknowledged the initial stress his players felt but praised their resilience and tactical discipline. "It is important to celebrate," Desabre told reporters. "It’s our first point and our first goal scored in a World Cup. I am proud of my players." He noted that while the first half was challenging, the team grew into the game and capitalized on a set-piece to score.

“

It was a hard first half, which we expected. Progressively, we grew into the game and managed to score from a set-piece. We played a great match. We could have been better on the counter-attack, but we are happy with the draw.

Desabre emphasized that the draw is merely the "first step" towards their goal of advancing from the group. He stressed the need for continuous improvement, stating, "Be better, run faster. In attack, we still need to improve." The coach believes the team's tactical approach and the players' 100% commitment were key to the result against a strong opponent. He is optimistic about the team's potential, saying, "I am pretty sure we can do great things. We need to capitalise on this start."

“

It is the first step. But it is important to go above and beyond, that is what we always try to do. Be better, run faster. In attack, we still need to improve.

The coach also observed that Portugal may have eased up after taking an early lead. "The shape of the game helped us, because we conceded early and Portugal felt there was no real danger," he said. Desabre highlighted his team's "mental strength" and ability to "bounce back" from difficult situations, attributing their success to the right attitude and focus on their tactical approach.

“

The system we rolled out helped us and the players were 100 per cent committed. They focused a lot on our tactical approach. I am pretty sure we can do great things. We need to capitalise on this start.