sports
DR Congo bring style and pride to the World Cup after wholesome welcome
Brutally tough return to tournament awaits, but the stature of opposition feels less important than the fact of being here at all
TL;DR
- The DRC team arrived in Houston for the World Cup, their first since 1974, dressed in tuxedo suits and leopard-print sashes, reminiscent of 1970s 'La Sape' fashion.
- The team had to undergo a 21-day isolation period in Belgium due to the Ebola outbreak in their homeland, leading to the cancellation of friendly matches.
- Despite preparation challenges, the team received a warm welcome from local volunteers and the Congolese expat community in Houston.
- Coach Sébastien Desabre emphasized the team's professionalism and focus on adapting to difficulties, stating it's 'not a problem for us'.
- Key players like Cédric Bakambu and an experienced core including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are part of the squad.
- The team aims to progress through Group K and potentially reach the last-32, with the coach believing an African World Cup winner is 'just a question of time'.
- The return after 52 years is described as a source of 'pride' and 'pleasure', with the team expressing resilience and faith.