Congo gave England a scare, but Kane turned things round with a brace
In the round of 32, the match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and England ended 1–2. Cipenga’s opener was answered by the English centre-forward with two superb goals
The Democratic Republic of the Congo gave England a scare for almost 75 minutes in their round of 16 clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In the closing stages, however, Harry Kane came to life, scoring two goals in quick succession to send the England side through to the last 16 in Mexico, where they will face the hosts.
Anyone expecting England to come out fighting from the very first minutes will have to think again, as it is the Congolese who are dictating the play and taking the lead straight away. In the 7th minute, Brian Cipenga found himself unmarked in the left-hand side of the box, met a long cross from the opposite flank and fired past the England goalkeeper with a low shot at the near post.
After the initial shock, England tried to fight back but came up against a well-organised defence and, above all, the excellent Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi, who made a number of decisive saves in the first half.
Congo, however, did not sit back and even came close to doubling their lead before half-time, hitting the post at the end of a dangerous counter-attack.
In the second half, the English side stepped up the pressure, brought on attacking players and began to pin Congo back in their own half.
