Personal loss for DR Congo coach after World Cup heartbreak vs England
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffAfter his side bowed out of the World Cup following a brave 2-1 Last 32 defeat to England, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre suffered tragedy as he was informed of the death of his father during the post-match press conference.
The Central African nation was on course to shock the football landscape as they led the Three Lions for majority of the game in Atlanta on Wednesday after Brian Cipenga put them ahead after seven minutes.
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There's more to life than football
However, England captain Harry Kane proved why he is one of the world’s best as his brace rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side, with the goals coming in the 75th and 86th minutes.
There is much more to football, and that much revealed itself in the immediate aftermath of the game as Desabre received the news of his father’s death.
"Thank you. However, we are informing you that the coach has lost his father; our sincere condolences,” said the DR Congo Media Officer.
Desabre’s side can be proud of their efforts in North America. They advanced to the Last 32 as one of the best third-place finishers from Group K, which included Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
They claimed a 3-1 win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan and also opened their campaign with a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal, making Cristiano Ronaldo look subdued in the game.
The ongoing World Cup was their first appearance in the showpiece since the 1974 event in West Germany when they were known as Zaire.
In that tournament, which was won by Germany, they finished bottom of Group 2, which included Yugoslavia, Brazil and Scotland, losing all their games.
So close and yet so far
DR Congo have been one of the improving sides in African football in recent years. Desabre hailed the fighting spirit shown by his side following their World Cup elimination.
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"We're disappointed because we believed we could do it. Perhaps we lacked a bit of experience at the end, but that's football. We learn, we continue to improve and move forward calmly.
"We fought like the Congolese people. We played good football against one of the best teams in the world. That's what we'll remember."