DR Congo Targets World Cup Upset of England in Last 32 as Zakuani Cites 4th-Ranked Side's Holes
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
DR Congo Targets World Cup Upset of England in Last 32 as Zakuani Cites 4th-Ranked Side's Holes
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
Summary
Gabriel Zakuani says DR Congo's dressing room believes it can beat England in the last 32, arguing the Leopards can frustrate Thomas Tuchel's side and punish limited creativity.
England's 4th-ranked team has shown vulnerabilities, Zakuani said, with Ghana's group-stage display offering a template: sit deep, contain Jude Bellingham and wait for chances.
DR Congo's confidence has grown after a 1-1 draw with Portugal in its first World Cup match since 1974 and a comeback win over Uzbekistan to reach the knockout round.
Zakuani has helped build the squad from the diaspora, securing players such as Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has starred after switching allegiance.
The 41st-ranked DRC has reached this stage the hard way—finishing behind Senegal in qualifying, then eliminating Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica—fueling belief it can deliver a major shock.