Congo Draw First Blood
An upset was in the making as DR Congo took the lead against England with just 6 minutes on the board as the Leopards took on England in an exciting Round of 32 clash in Atlanta.
The Three Lions Respond With A Barrage of Attacks…
The Three Lions then went on the rampage in a bid to equalise. Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice and Djed Spence from the right flank unleashed a mighty offensive on the Congo Goal.
…But Congo Hold Firm With A Sublime Mpasi in Goal
The Congolese, however, defended outrageously, blocking every move on the pitch and in the air, with Chancel Mbemba, the Congo captain, leading from the front. Jude Bellingham came close to scoring at least thrice, but Lionel Mpasi, who was in riveting form, saved everything that threatened his goal.
Yoane Wissa Misses A Sitter…
The lead began to look bigger and bigger as the time for the equaliser began to thin. Yoane Wissa missed a sitter in the interim, hitting the post when he should have scored. The brilliant forward had dropped the Round of 16 for Congo, I felt. And so it happened.
…As Harry Kane Equalises
Harry Kane eventually equalised with a perfect header from a pinpoint Anthony Gordon lob. Mpasi was slightly wrong-footed, and even though he reached the ball, he could not stop it from entering the goal. The goal had come after 75 minutes of relentless offence on the Congolese goal.
A Ferocious Kane Right Footer Sinks Congo in the End
The moment of truth, however, arrived in the 86th minute when Anthony Gordon once again played a cheeky pass to Harry Kane, who turned away from the markers and struck a ferocious right-footer. Mpasi had no chance as he just stood to see the ball pass him in a flash.
A Sensational Strike From Captain Kane
It was sensational from Harry Kane. Under pressure, the Captain produced a moment of sheer brilliance to deny Congo and win it for England. An incredible piece of work from the world’s best striker at the moment. It was the best goal I have seen in the Round of 32.
Wissa Misses A Free-Kick
Congo were stunned and had no time to respond, even though they secured a free kick close to the box, but Yoane Wissa’s effort just sailed over the English goal.
England Survive to Meet Mexico Next
England survived the blushes due to a great performance from the England Captain and will now play Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Monday, July 6, 5.30 am IST, in the Round of 16. What a battle it is going to be.
Congo Leave with Pride
For DR Congo, it was a terrific World Cup. They fought hard and will leave with pride, with their heads held high.
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