ATLANTA — Thomas Tuchel commented that the surprising early departures of Germany and Netherlands from the World Cup will help to “calm our minds” and prevent England from “over-expecting” as they prepare to face Congo DR on Wednesday.
As strong favorites to advance to the last 16, England’s matchup comes just days after Germany’s defeat to Paraguay, and the Netherlands’ loss to Morocco at the same stage.
Congo DR has yet to reach the knockout rounds, while England seeks to secure its second World Cup title, 60 years after their first.
When asked if the notable exits in the round of 32 served as a warning for England, Tuchel remarked on Tuesday: “That is the nature of knockout football. The match between Netherlands and Morocco felt like a quarter-final, and Brazil versus Japan could easily qualify as a quarter-final match, showcasing the quality of the teams involved.
“What it indicates is that Canada found a last-minute winner against South Africa, Morocco equalized late and went all the way, while Germany had a penalty shootout.
“This can help to calm us down. Matches are tightly contested and it prevents us from setting unrealistic expectations based on what has transpired in this World Cup.
“Teams are well-drilled, defensively solid, and extremely prepared, making it challenging for any team to break through, especially when they come in as favorites against opponents who have nothing to lose. For me, this helps us to maintain focus, accept our situation, and make the most of it.”
Congo DR is currently ranked 46th in the FIFA standings, though they are projected to advance by five positions, compared to England’s fourth rank. Tuchel warns, however, that another challenging game could arise at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, similar to their draw against Ghana and their hard-fought win over Panama during the group stage.
“Our opponent will embrace the underdog role, which often presents its own advantages,” Tuchel noted.
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“We understand the situation and know how to handle it. Our approach remains unchanged. We will proceed with humility, focusing on ourselves while maintaining the appropriate perspective.
“Ultimately, the FIFA rankings or perceived expectations have no bearing on how we perform. We will rise to meet the demands of the game as it unfolds, requiring us to be free of pressure, maintain the right mindset, and be ready to showcase our skills. I believe we are prepared.”