KANE’S LATE DOUBLE FIRES ENGLAND PAST DR CONGO INTO WORLD CUP LAST 16
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Agency Report
Harry Kane struck twice in the closing stages as England came from behind to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 and book a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.
The Three Lions were on the brink of a stunning elimination after Brian Cipenga’s early strike gave DR Congo a deserved lead, but England captain Kane rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side with two late goals to keep their title hopes alive.
The victory sets up a daunting last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.
Kane’s brace took his tally to 13 World Cup goals and five in the ongoing tournament, strengthening his challenge for the Golden Boot.
For DR Congo, the defeat ended a remarkable World Cup campaign on their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years.
Having already secured their first-ever World Cup goal and point earlier in the competition, the Leopards came within touching distance of one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.
Tuchel made two changes to the side that defeated Panama, recalling Declan Rice to midfield while Djed Spence replaced the injured Reece James at right-back. Jarell Quansah also missed the match through injury.
England’s vulnerability on the right flank was exposed early as Chancel Mbemba delivered a cross that Spence failed to deal with, allowing Cipenga to fire a low shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to hand DR Congo a surprise lead.
The goal stunned England, with Jude Bellingham later receiving a yellow card before being involved in a heated exchange with Tuchel during the first-half cooling break.
England gradually found their rhythm, with Bellingham forcing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into action with a powerful header before Marcus Rashford saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range.
Kane also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after going down under pressure from Mpasi, who produced another fine save moments later to deny the England captain from a corner after keeping out another Bellingham header.
With England struggling to break down the resilient Congolese defence after the restart, Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in search of inspiration.
The substitutions proved decisive as Gordon delivered a cross that Kane headed home with 15 minutes remaining to level the score.
Gordon was again the provider in the 86th minute when Kane unleashed a powerful strike into the roof of the net to complete the comeback and send England into the knockout stage.
England will now face Mexico for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, while DR Congo bow out after an impressive campaign that exceeded expectations.
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