DR Congo to play without fear against Ronaldo-led Portugal, coach says

DR Congo's coach Sebastien Desabre declared his team will play with boldness and take calculated risks against a favored Portugal in their historic return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. The African nation is set to face Cristiano Ronaldo's side in their opening match.

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What we have to do is to deal with the pressure, the pressure of the first game. I want my team to play, so we'll take risks. Those risks will be measured. There's no fear ahead of those big events.

Desabre acknowledged the pressure of the first game but emphasized his desire for the team to play offensively. "We'll take risks. Those risks will be measured. There's no fear ahead of those big events," he said. DR Congo, who previously appeared as Zaire in 1974, lost all their matches without scoring. However, Desabre believes the current squad, featuring speedy attackers from competitive European leagues, possesses the quality to challenge Portugal.

The coach highlighted the team's tactical flexibility due to a healthy squad and their unique style of play. "We are of course highly motivated and we are excited to play against such a big team," he added. While acknowledging the disrupted preparation due to the Ebola virus outbreak back home, Desabre noted that most players based in Europe were largely unaffected. He also anticipates fewer traveling fans due to travel restrictions, which he believes will further motivate the players.

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We also have a great strength that we'll be using on the pitch and we're going to get started with our own specific style of play and we are of course highly motivated and we are excited to play against such a big team.

"We have 100 million Congolese people who will be watching us," Desabre stated. "Of course, we want to perform well. We want to show courage. And we'll do our best on the pitch." The team aims to advance to the next round of the tournament, competing in Group K alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan.

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We have 100 million Congolese people who will be watching us. Of course, we want to perform well. We want to show courage. And we'll do our best on the pitch.