World Cup Atlanta: England vs DR Congo round of 32 instant reactions

After multiple days of group stage matches here in Atlanta, the city’s first knockout stage game kicked off between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo AND WHAT DID WE WITNESS? It took less than 10 minutes for DR Congo to shock the entire world by going up 1-0 over the mighty Three Lions, in a stadium that was quite literally 95% English supporters. The entire vibe in the stadium changed, and though England had a few decent opportunities, they were unable to capitalize before the half. It became very obvious that Thomas Tuchel’s halftime changes would be the X factor in this one, as DR Congo had consistently looked like the squad that simply wanted it more. While Harry Kane would be the ultimate game changer in this one, the Leopards should be truly proud of their World Cup. Here are the final whistle thoughts from a hot one in Atlanta!

England initially didn’t look up to the task

England just came out incredibly flat, which is insane for such a high stakes match, and considering how their last match went against a country from Africa one would think they’d lay out some different tactics. Regardless, it wasn’t simply tactics or formations. Some of England’s typical star players had individually awful first touches, crosses, defensive actions, and general awareness. To their credit, they came out of the locker room with much more pep in their collective step, creating two generous opportunities within the first 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, the English fans created an atmosphere very much identical to one you’d see in the homeland, with an absurd amount of English flags hung all across the stands on the supporter’s section side of the stadium. They belted out “Sweet Caroline” before the match, and otherwise tried to clap back to the DR Congo fan’s occasional dancing and singing. But it felt like there was an air of concern as the minutes ticked on, the fans weren’t chanting so much as holding their breath.

The hope was that Bukayo Saka entering in the 60th minute would change the dynamic somewhat. It took plenty of time, well into the second half, but the equalizer would ultimately come from Harry Kane, in perhaps the most classic Harry Kane way possible. England kept trying to unbalance DR Congo’s backline with cross after cross, and it’d be Anthony Gordon’s that Kane would go up and reach for to finally beat Mpasi.

DR Congo and Lionel Messi Mpasi

It must be said that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s keeper, Lionel Mpasi, had an absolute game. It honestly felt similar to the game Vozinha had for Cabo Verde in Atlanta’s World Cup opener against Spain, as both keepers put on an absolute masterclass in and around goal to keep their respective teams in the game against a Goliath of an opponent. The Three Lions would finally sneak one by him with the aforementioned Harry Kane goal, and finally one more for the game winner, but what a performance.

We can’t leave out Brian Cipenga, though, who got the party started with his first ever national team goal in the 7th minute. The DR Congo attack continued to create chances throughout the match, and this one never truly felt like the Leopards were totally out of the game. They gave England a respectable challenge, especially on their dangerous set pieces. Their individual quality and willingness to take on 1v1s was not only admirable, but incredibly effective, especially considering England’s own individual work rate was poor for much of the match.

It wasn’t the result DR Congo wanted, but it was a hell of a performance overall. They have nothing to hang their head about. Let us know down below what you thought of the match!

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