ATLANTA – In a thrilling World Cup encounter, Harry Kane showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting two second-half goals, leading England to a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory against Congo on Wednesday. This win secures England a spot in the round of 16.
Congo surprised many by taking an early lead, with Brian Cipenga scoring in the seventh minute. However, England’s all-time leading scorer, Kane, leveled the match with a powerful header in the 75th minute, before sealing the victory with a stunning shot into the top corner in the 86th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come,” Kane expressed after the match. “We spoke about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team … Whoever it is, we have hero moments, and for me it was the day.”
For much of the game, England seemed on the brink of facing one of the most significant upsets in World Cup history. Historically, England has struggled when conceding the first goal, having only won once in such scenarios during the World Cup, a feat achieved in the 1996 final against West Germany.
Next up, England will face co-host Mexico in the round of 16 in Mexico City on Sunday.
Kane’s performance not only propelled England forward but also added to his impressive tally, bringing his total to five goals in this World Cup. His record as the nation’s leading scorer in tournament history now stands at 13, with an overall total of 84 goals for the national team.
The first of Kane’s goals came from a well-placed cross by substitute Anthony Gordon. Despite Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi getting a hand to the ball, Kane’s header found its way into the bottom corner. Just eleven minutes later, Kane struck again, this time with a powerful shot that soared into the top corner, securing the victory for England.
Congo’s early lead was established when Cipenga collected a cross and fired a low shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post. Mpasi was instrumental in keeping Congo ahead for most of the match, making crucial saves, including three from Jude Bellingham, who was denied on multiple occasions.
As the match neared its conclusion, Kane came close to scoring in the first half, but Mpasi blocked a powerful attempt, and a subsequent collision led to calls for a penalty that were dismissed by referee Adham Makhadmeh. Congo also had a chance to extend their lead when Yoane Wissa hit the post in the first half, heightening the tension of the match.
___
James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
___
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
