England avoided a big upset at the FIFA World Cup, as Harry Kane scored twice late in the game to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta.
The clear favourites of the match were England, but DR Congo took the lead early in the game with the help of Brian Cipenga.
His strike put England under pressure and created a glaring threat for England. This could have become country’s most embarrassing exit from the World Cup in recent history.
England started on the wrong foot in the first half, which saw them build up several opportunities but fail to convert any into an actual goal.
For this the credit goes to DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi who made a succession of key saves.
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DR Congo nearly scored a second goal before halftime when Yoane Wissa’s shot from just a few metres away hit the goalpost.
Time was running out and England manager Thomas Tuchel had to make substitutions in the attacking line to salvage the match. This strategy worked.
Harry Kane came in the 75th minute to give England hope when he found the net after Anthony Gordon fired a shot in the penalty area.
It was Gordon again who set up Kane 11 minutes later, Kane scored a powerful shot into the upper corner of the goal, to bring the game back on track for England and finished the English comeback to bring the result to 2-1.
The England squad now have entered the Round of 16, where they will take on co-hosts Mexico in the iconic Estadio Azteca.
DR Congo’s loss to England was the end of an impressive World Cup campaign.
Despite the narrow defeat, the team had qualified for the tournament for the first time in 52 years and surprised everyone by qualifying for the knockout round.
Also read: DR Congo secures a spot in the knockouts