ATLANTA ― Congo threw a World Cup party at Mercedes-Benz on Saturday. The invitation was 52 years in the making.
The typical confetti for such an occasion was replaced by pinnies joyfully thrown into the air when the final whistle sounded. There was also dancing ― well, rather impressive ***** scooting for one Congo staffer ― on the pitch and in the stands after Les Léopards beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
The victory, Congo's first ever at the World Cup after two appearances (1974, 2026), secured the best possible gift for an entire nation: a date with England in the round of 32 for the first time.
The win came after a stunning 1-1 draw against Portugal, a 1-0 loss to Colombia, and what felt like an insurmountable 1-0 Uzbekistan lead in the first half, until daylight broke through at the 68th minute. Yoane Wissa wound up, ran forward and impeccably stumbled into a penalty kick equalizer.
"That showed that nothing is easy in football, in life, and we just need to show resilience. And when the time like this comes, we have to enjoy (it). You have to enjoy because it's not easy," Wissa said postgame.
The typical confetti for such an occasion was replaced by pinnies joyfully thrown into the air when the final whistle sounded. There was also dancing ― well, rather impressive ***** scooting for one Congo staffer ― on the pitch and in the stands after Les Léopards beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
The victory, Congo's first ever at the World Cup after two appearances (1974, 2026), secured the best possible gift for an entire nation: a date with England in the round of 32 for the first time.
The win came after a stunning 1-1 draw against Portugal, a 1-0 loss to Colombia, and what felt like an insurmountable 1-0 Uzbekistan lead in the first half, until daylight broke through at the 68th minute. Yoane Wissa wound up, ran forward and impeccably stumbled into a penalty kick equalizer.
"That showed that nothing is easy in football, in life, and we just need to show resilience. And when the time like this comes, we have to enjoy (it). You have to enjoy because it's not easy," Wissa said postgame.
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