England produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after surviving a spirited challenge from the African side in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter.
DR Congo stunned the Three Lions just seven minutes into the contest when Brian Cipenga latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Chancel Mbemba inside the penalty area before calmly finishing beyond the England goalkeeper to hand the Leopards an early 1-0 advantage.
England responded by dominating possession and creating several opportunities, but DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi proved equal to the task. In the 29th minute, Declan Rice whipped an inviting cross into the area for Jude Bellingham, whose powerful header looked destined for the net before Mpasi produced a magnificent save to preserve his side’s lead.
The Congolese nearly doubled their advantage just before the interval. In the 42nd minute, a dangerous cutback found Yoane Wissa, whose first-time effort struck the post, allowing England to escape what would have been a crushing second goal.
Mpasi continued his outstanding display deep into first-half stoppage time, rushing to England’s frustration with another vital intervention after the Three Lions broke into the DR Congo penalty area.
With DR Congo defending resolutely and threatening on the counter, they carried a deserved 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
The complexion of the match changed after the restart as England increased the intensity and pinned DR Congo deep inside their own half. Sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 75th minute when Harry Kane found the equaliser, converting from close range after excellent work by Anthony Gordon.
England refused to settle for extra time and continued to press for a winner. Their persistence was rewarded four minutes from time when Gordon again turned provider, delivering another dangerous ball for Kane, who finished clinically in the 86th minute to complete his brace and complete England’s comeback.
The statistics reflected England’s second-half dominance, with the Three Lions enjoying 60 percent possession while outshooting DR Congo 16-7 and forcing Mpasi into five saves.
Despite a brave performance and an inspired display from their goalkeeper, DR Congo’s memorable World Cup journey came to an end. England, however, showed their resilience after an early setback, overturning the deficit to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory and a place in the Round of 16.
