A Sensation Was Nearly Made at the World Cup. England's National Team Barely Escaped the Congolese

The Congolese started the match very confidently and did not give the opponent either the ball or the initiative. Already in the 7th minute, they opened the scoring: after a quick combination, Bryan Sipenga accurately shot into the near corner, and England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could not save the team. For Sipenga, this was his first goal for the national team.

The conceded goal did not immediately spur the English into action. They played slowly for a long time, often made mistakes in passes, and hardly created any danger near the opponent's goal. Only closer to halftime did the England national team start playing more confidently and created several good chances.

However, DR Congo's goalkeeper Dimitri Mpasi-Nzau played an excellent match. He repeatedly saved his team after dangerous shots, and in one episode, defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared the ball almost off the goal line. The English also hoped for penalties in several controversial situations, but the referee did not award any spot-kicks. In turn, the Congolese could have extended their lead before halftime, but Yoane Wissa hit the post.

In the second half, England attacked more persistently. Tuchel made several substitutions to strengthen play on the wings. For a long time, Mpasi-Nzau continued to perform excellently in goal, but in the 75th minute, he finally capitulated. After a cross from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane won the aerial duel against the defenders and headed the ball into the net.

After this, the English continued their pressure and snatched victory in the 86th minute. Jude Bellingham started the attack, Gordon picked up the ball and passed it to Kane. The forward, surrounded by three opponents, managed to improve his position and scored a brace with a powerful shot under the crossbar.

At the end of the match, the DR Congo national team could no longer organize a full response, although they did get the right to take a dangerous free-kick in stoppage time.

Match statistics indicate England's superiority: 16 shots on goal versus 7, seven shots on target versus two, and a higher expected goals metric. Nevertheless, the DR Congo national team played a very respectable match, forced one of the tournament favorites to fight until the last minutes, and earned respect for their brave play.

In the next round, the English will face the Mexico national team — one of the three host nations of this championship.

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