England Leave It Late, Belgium Complete Dramatic Comeback; USA Also Reach Round Of 16
Atlanta/San Francisco : Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup knockout clash. Belgium also staged a sensational late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2, while co-hosts USA eased past Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 to book their place in the Round of 16.
DR Congo shocked England by taking the lead in the seventh minute through Sipenga. The Congolese defenders frustrated England throughout the match, keeping their attacking stars under control and looking set for a famous 1-0 upset.
England finally found the breakthrough in the 75th minute when captain Harry Kane equalised to make it 1-1. Once Kane broke through Congo’s defence, England gained momentum.
Just 11 minutes later, in the 86th minute, Kane struck again with the match-winning goal to complete England’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory.
Kane’s Tournament Tally Reaches Five
England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16.
Kane has now scored five goals in the tournament, matching Norway’s Erling Haaland. The duo are just one goal behind the leading scorers, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who have six goals each.
Belgium’s clash against Senegal was even more dramatic and controversial.
Senegal took a commanding 2-0 lead through Habib Diarra in the 24th minute and Ismaila Sarr in the 51st minute. Belgium, despite having Romelu Lukaku, had no answer for most of the match.
Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute to revive Belgium’s hopes.
Just three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans equalised to make it 2-2, and extra time appeared inevitable.
However, after several stoppages and repeated fouls, the match stretched deep into injury time.
In the 125th minute, Belgium were awarded a penalty after a serious foul inside the box. Tielemans calmly converted the spot-kick to seal an incredible 3-2 victory.
USA Also Through to the Round of 16
Tournament co-hosts USA defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 to secure their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Belgium on Monday.
Folarin Balogun gave the USA the lead in the 45th minute before Tillman doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute.
Balogun was later shown a red card in the second half, but Tillman’s goal ensured the Americans progressed comfortably.
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