Desabre says DR Congo face England with nothing to lose

ATLANTA, June 30 : After exceeding expectations in reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup, Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sebastien Desabre says his players will not be the ones under pressure in their last-32 clash with England, despite shouldering the dreams of the country.

DR Congo returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 when they lost all three matches, and now enter uncharted territory after coming through the group stage as the top-ranked third-placed side.

Desabre's team held Portugal to a draw, suffered a narrow defeat to Colombia before a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan took them through, and banished the memories of their previous World Cup appearance.

"It was already an achievement and a progression to return to the World Cup after 52 years of absence," Desabre told reporters on Tuesday.

"Earning the first point in the first match, scoring the first goal, that was another step. Scoring three goals in a match and winning a match at the World Cup was an additional step. Qualifying for the round of 32 was another step.

"So indeed, we do not have much to lose tomorrow, but we also take it as a source of motivation, because if we are here, it is because we deserve it."

All of those steps have led them to Wednesday's tie in Atlanta against one of the sides expected to go deep in the tournament.

"The pressure, of course, is on the England team, because they must continue their path according to their objectives," the manager said.

"We will do everything to qualify, and that is what I told the players, and the players tell themselves, this is a very beautiful opportunity to create another exploit rather than simply coming here to discover the competition.

"The number of people for whom football is life in