Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Harry Kane saved England’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a rocket worthy of the praise that came his way afterwards, rifling home a stunning late winner against DR Congo to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback and break one of Pele’s long-standing World Cup records. The England captain’s breathtaking strike from the edge of the box not only sealed his brace but also took him past the Brazilian legend’s tally of 12 World Cup goals, keeping the Three Lions alive in the tournament.
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England had spent more than an hour chasing the game after Brian Cipenga stunned Thomas Tuchel’s side with a seventh-minute opener. Kane eventually restored parity in the 75th minute before producing the defining moment of the contest 11 minutes later, unleashing an unstoppable drive beyond Lionel Mpasi to send England into the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico.
FIFA World Cup, England vs DR Congo: Highlights
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The loudest praise, however, came from inside the defeated dressing room.
“We managed to corner England but they reacted and that is the capacity of these big teams,” DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said after the match.
“It took the best striker in the world to save them and that’s what happens against these big nations. We did what we could, we were close to winning but it can also be seen as a victory of sorts for us.”
Desabre also made sure his side walked away with their heads held high.
“When you represent the national team you have to leave a good image behind and this I believe we did. We are more proud than disappointed. We are disappointed to be leaving the World Cup, but we scored five goals in the tournament and played much higher-ranked teams and managed good results.”
HARRY KANE’S ROCKET RESCUES ENGLAND
For much of the evening, England looked destined for an early flight home.
DR Congo defended brilliantly after Cipenga’s opener, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi frustrated England with a string of outstanding saves. Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Kane were all denied, Yoane Wissa struck the post, and Kane even saw penalty appeals waved away as frustration mounted.
Then came the captain’s response.
His equaliser breathed life into England’s challenge and also drew him level with Pele’s World Cup tally. But the moment that will be replayed for years arrived in the 86th minute.
Receiving possession just outside the area, Kane shifted the ball onto his right foot before firing an unstoppable rocket into the far corner. Mpasi barely moved. The strike rescued England, broke Pele’s record and underlined why Desabre had called him the best striker in world football.
“It feels amazing to do this. What a crazy game,” Kane said.
“Their keeper made some unbelievable saves in the first half. It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock, and our moments will come.”
Kane said England had spoken beforehand about individuals stepping up when the pressure arrived.
“We spoke about people having hero moments. It could be anyone in the team. Whether it’s me, a save from Pickers, a block from the defenders, whoever it is.
“We have hero moments, and for me it was the day.”
HISTORY KEEPS FOLLOWING KANE
The brace continued another remarkable chapter in Kane’s England career.
Only days after overtaking Gary Lineker as England’s highest-scoring player in World Cup history against Panama, the Bayern Munich striker has now moved beyond Pele with 13 World Cup goals. He also climbed to five goals at this tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Overall, Kane now boasts 84 goals in 117 England appearances and 20 goals across major international tournaments. Against DR Congo, he also made his 15th World Cup start, the most by any England outfield player.
After the final whistle, Kane celebrated shoulder-to-shoulder with England supporters, singing Wonderwall before reminding his teammates not to take nights like these for granted.
“I told the boys to enjoy it,” Kane said.
“Sometimes, as an England player, when you go through tough games like this, and games you’re expected to win, you don’t always celebrate how you should.
“We’re through, so enjoy it. We’re in a World Cup, fighting for it all, for every moment, every little margin. I want the boys to enjoy it with the fans like we did, and then we go again in four days.”
England’s World Cup dream remains alive. And thanks to one thunderous strike that left Pele behind, Kane’s own World Cup legacy has grown even bigger.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
