Congo coach Sébastien Desabre was surprised to learn of his father’s death after a World Cup game. The team’s spokesman announced the news at a media conference after Congo’s 2-1 loss to England in the round of 16.
Desabre had just finished taking questions from the media when the spokesman shared the news, saying “the coach has lost his father. Sincere condolences.” Desabre looked surprised but quickly recovered his composure and said “merci,” French for “thank you.” The passing of Desabre’s father had been known to the team’s spokesman before the game.
Desabre has coached Congo for four years and led the team to its first World Cup appearance since 1974. France coach Didier Deschamps briefly left the World Cup last week to attend the funeral of his mother.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
