World Cup: DR Congo aims for unprecedented place in the knockout stage in decision against Uzbekistan

The Democratic Republic of Congo has always aimed to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup on their return to the tournament after 52 years, but they will need to beat Uzbekistan this Saturday (27), in Atlanta, to turn that dream into reality.

The Congolese earned a deserved 1-1 draw against Portugal in their Group K opener. However, the 1-0 defeat to Colombia on Tuesday (23) left the team with the obligation to seek a positive result against an Uzbekistan team that is also still alive in the fight for classification.

After the setback for the Colombians, the DR Congo players are eager to return to the field and try to make up for the negative result.

"We are in great shape and looking forward to the next game. We want to play as soon as possible," striker Simon Banza told Reuters, during the team's training in Houston.

The player highlighted his respect for Uzbekistan, led by Italian Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 World Cup champion.

"They are a very good team, I know some players there. They never give up. But we are like that too, so it should be a great match," said Banza.

The striker stated that the team's objective remains the same, despite a complicated preparation before the tournament, which had to be changed due to the requirements for entry into the United States due to the Ebola outbreak in the country.

"We have had one goal since we arrived at the World Cup: to go far in the tournament," he declared.

Coach Sébastien Desabre reinforced that the team cannot be shaken by the defeat to Colombia and needs to maintain confidence for the duel against the Uzbeks.

"We need to accept the defeat, keep our heads up and get back into contention quickly," said the coach. "Uzbekistan will be difficult because they defend well, but we will give everything on the pitch."

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Source: CNN