West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a key part of the DR Congo backline which kept Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal quiet while claiming their first-ever World Cup point.
The good doctor would prescribe a round one upset in Texas.
In their first World Cup showing for 52 years, DR Congo snatched a point off Roberto Martinez’s highly-fancied Portugal.
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Houston, one of the pre-tournament favourites have a Cristiano Ronaldo-shaped problem. Who would have imagined that sticking a 41-year-old in front of one of the most mobile, athletic and intense midfield combinations on the planet would dull Portugal’s blade?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, highly-experienced but still 13 years Ronaldo’s junior, put in a typically resilient performance on the right-hand side of a heroic Congolese backline. West Ham United’s number 29 produced a game-high seven clearances alongside other familiar faces such as Arthur Masuaku, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and former Newcastle man Chancel Mbemba.
West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka reflects on Congo 1-1 Portugal
Speaking to Amplify Africa after DR Congo took a leaf out of the playbooks of Egypt, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, Wan-Bissaka reflected proudly on what was a fine show of determination and discipline.
“It’s been a long wait. It’s a proud moment for the team and the country, of course. We just gave our all today,” said the former Man United and Crystal Palace defender.
“Stay dreaming! Keep working hard and you’ll get to where you want to be if you just focus on it and keep working hard. We’re here now. It’s been a long wait and we’re all proud.
“Of course, we wanted the win. Everyone wants to go into the game to win but I think, as a team, we gave it our all and came out with a draw, so we’ve got to build on that.”
Wan-Bissaka helps keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet
Wan-Bissaka was asked to reflect on DR Congo’s gameplan when coming up against, statistically, the greatest goalscorer in the history of international football. Not to mention a former team-mate of his at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo’s record tally of 143 would not be increased on a day when Yoane Wissa cancelled out a similarly fizzing header from PSG’s Joao Neves.
“As a defence, the back five, we always aim to be solid and work together,” Wan-Bissaka added. “So we went into this game with a plan. The aim was obviously to keep a clean sheet. We didn’t manage to, but we don’t let many goals in.”
DR Congo will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages for the very first time, with Colombia and Uzbekistan to come.
“[We have to] just focus on us, you know. We know every game is not going to be easy. It’s going to be challenging, but mainly we should work on ourselves.
“I think we have gained a lot of confidence from today’s result. Onto the next!”
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