NEWS
Thanks to Kane! England Fights Their Way Into Round of 16
After an early goal from Congo, it looked like another upset for a long time. But Kane redeems the "Three Lions". Next stop: Mexico.
In the eighth World Cup round of 32 match, England fought their way to a 2-1 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Initially, Cipengo put the Congolese in front (7'). Late but eventually, Kane scored the equalizer (75'), only to net the winning goal about ten minutes later (86').
Congo Shocks Weak England
England started very tentatively. Initially, underdog Congo had 80% possession. And the world's 46th-ranked team capitalized on it: England was too passive, Mbemba was allowed to play a beautiful cross-field pass, and Cipengo fired a shot into the near corner and scored! Pickford had no chance (7').
After that, England improved slightly, but Congo keeper Mpasi kept a clean sheet after chances from Bellingham (34' and 45'+2') and Kane (45'+4').
"Three Lions" Unsuccessfully Demand Penalty
In between, England demanded a penalty because after a long ball forward, Kane rounded the keeper and went down. Despite VAR intervention, the referee's whistle remained silent.
But Congo also remained dangerous. After a beautiful low cross, Wissa was completely free in the middle and hit the post (42').
Thus, Congo went into the dressing room with a surprising but not undeserved 1-0 lead.
Kane Redeems England Late
Even at the start of the second half, England found no solutions. It wasn't until the final fifteen minutes that the "Three Lions" fans could breathe a sigh of relief. Gordon kept a cross from Rice alive and delivered the ball to Kane. The top striker only had to nod it in, scoring his fourth tournament goal (75').
And that wasn't all: The Bayern striker single-handedly turned the game around and put the "Three Lions" ahead. Bellingham's initial attempt was thwarted, then the ball came to Gordon, who laid it off to Kane. The veteran set himself up and unleashed a shot from the edge of the box. With his fifth tournament goal, he likely put England on the road to victory (86').
With a scare and thanks to Harry Kane, England defeated a strong Congolese side 2-1 and advanced to the World Cup round of 16. There, host nation Mexico awaits.
