Harry Kane scored twice in the closing 15 minutes to lead England through to the Round of 16 with a 2-1 comeback victory against DR Congo, Yankee Scores reports.
Congo Stun England Early
The Democratic Republic of Congo, in their first ever World Cup knockout game, surprised one of the tournament favourites after just seven minutes.
Chancel Mbemba’s long pass threw out England’s defence and Cedric Cipenga was able to finish past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England laboured for solutions for extended spells, with Yoanne Wissa hitting the post for Congo and goalkeeper Timothy Mpasi making a series of important stops to keep the Leopards in front as the game entered its final third.
Kane Comes Through When It Counts
England manager Thomas Tuchel looked to his bench, calling in Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to search for an equalizer.
This move paid off. Kane equalised in the 75th minute, turning his marker to head home a Gordon cross.
And Kane struck again four minutes from stoppage time, converting another Gordon assist to complete the turnaround and send England through.
Kane’s brace lifted his World Cup goal count to 13, confirming his status as one of the tournament’s most prolific strikers.
What’s Next?
Per ESPN, England’s victory sets up a tough Round of 16 clash with Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
It was the third straight tournament win for Tuchel’s team, although their performances against Ghana and Panama earlier in the group stage had cast doubts over their form moving into the knockout stages.
DR Congo exit the competition with heads held high as Coach Sebastien Desabre’s squad overachieved all the way to becoming the first Congolese side to reach a World Cup knockout phase since the nation last played as Zaire in 1974.
