Picture Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages provided incredible drama as England narrowly avoided a shock defeat against DR Congo in Atlanta.
Winger Brian Cipenga silenced the crowd, especially the English crowd, in the sixth minute, scoring an early goal to give DR Congo a 1-0 lead.
Despite the goal, the Congolese launched dangerous counterattacks while England controlled possession for long periods without scoring.
The fans’ frustration looked evident during the first hydration break, which, however, was met with loud boos. The match grew increasingly chaotic before halftime.
Yoane Wissa struck the post with a deflected cross, while a defender cleared Marcus Rashford’s goal-bound effort off the line.
Controversy struck when goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi pulled Harry Kane down inside the box. Despite the apparent contact, referee Adham Mohammad and the VAR did not award a penalty.
Just before the break, Mpasi made another great save to stop Kane’s close-range effort, preserving Congo’s 1-0 lead.
Seeking a breakthrough after halftime, manager Thomas Tuchel substituted Madueke and Rashford for Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon.
England continued to struggle, and the crowd loudly booed Saka after an awful first touch went out of play just before the water break.
Harry Kane powered home a header from Anthony Gordon’s cross in the 74th minute to level the score for England.
Congo’s historic dream completely fell apart in the 85th minute.
Jude Bellingham made a driving run that forced a save from Mpasi, and Gordon grabbed the rebound at the top of the penalty area.
Kane’s clinical finish sealed the victory, sparking a roar of pure relief from the stands. Lionel Mpasi, whose brilliant goalkeeping kept England on the brink of a meltdown, earned well-deserved praise from the victors in defeat.
Just 30 minutes earlier, fear had silenced the crowd.
The fans then serenaded the players with the customary post-match renditions of ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘It’s Coming Home’. The moment captured the beautiful yet exhausting essence of England’s World Cup journey.
Also Read: India vs England 1st T20I: India Opt To Bat, Varun Chakaravarthy Returns
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
