Kane's Late Double Saves England as DR Congo Comeback Falls Just Short

Kane's Late Double Saves England as DR Congo Comeback Falls Just Short

DR Congo made a dream start that silenced the English supporters inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Just seven minutes into the match, Chancel Mbemba won possession deep inside his own half before driving forward and releasing a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated the delivery perfectly, drifting between defenders before drilling a low finish past Jordan Pickford to give the African side a shock lead.

The goal transformed the complexion of the contest, with England monopolising possession but finding themselves repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo's organised defensive block. England toiled for over an hour against a disciplined and fearless Congolese outfit. Lionel Mpasi was exceptional in goal, repeatedly denying England from close range and commanding his area with confidence.

Harry Kane thought he had earned a penalty after going down under pressure inside the box, but the referee waved away the appeals and VAR upheld the on-field decision, leaving Thomas Tuchel visibly frustrated. England were sluggish and lacked creativity, with Djed Spence enduring a difficult afternoon deputising at right-back after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah.

Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon in the 60th minute, and the tactical switch immediately altered the contest. Gordon's direct running stretched DR Congo's tiring defence and finally created the width England had struggled to generate. The equaliser arrived in the 75th minute when Gordon surged down the left flank before whipping an inviting cross towards the six-yard box. Kane timed his movement superbly, powering a downward header beyond the helpless Mpasi to end DR Congo's remarkable resistance.

Eleven minutes later, Gordon again proved decisive. After England recycled possession from a partially cleared corner, the winger delivered another dangerous ball into a crowded penalty area. Kane reacted quickest inside the congestion, swivelling and unleashing a fierce finish high into the top-right corner in the 86th minute to complete the comeback.

The brace moved Kane to 13 career World Cup goals, overtaking Pelé in the all-time scoring charts, and drew him level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings with five goals. England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Sunday, while DR Congo exit with enormous credit after pushing one of the tournament favourites to the very edge of elimination.