Need to know
There was plenty of drama that unfolded on the latest day of World Cup action, with England, DR Congo, Belgium, Senegal, United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina all in action
Everything you need to know about what happened during Wednesday’s World Cup round of 32 matches, including England vs DR Congo, Belgium vs Senegal and USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina….
- Three Lions escape defeat: England escaped a major shock in the round of 32 by overcoming a 1-0 deficit to secure a nervy 2-1 victory against DR Congo in Atlanta. After Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead, captain Harry Kane emerged as the hero by netting a crucial late brace to save the Three Lions.
- Declan Rice injury update: Midfielder Declan Rice provided a massive boost to Thomas Tuchel’s side by insisting he is “good as gold” after being substituted late in the game. Rice was spotted icing his leg after being replaced by John Stones, but he reassured fans that the precaution was just a result of playing in gruelling 30-degree heat.
- DR Congo tragedy: Following the match, DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre saw his father’s sudden passing abruptly announced to the world at the end of his post-match press conference. A visibly shocked Desabre simply replied with a quiet “Merci” before immediately departing the room at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
- Belgium rally from two-goal deficit: In another round of 32 match, Belgium rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Senegal in Seattle. Senegal initially took a commanding lead through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr before Romelu Lukaku sparked the European side’s comeback in the 86th minute.
- Pitch invaders: The match was temporarily halted in the 31st minute when three people, who are thought to have been social media influencers, invaded the pitch. Play was briefly paused while up to five security guards chased and wrestled the protestors, with live broadcasters quickly cutting away from the chaotic scene.
- Penalty drama: Drama peaked in the 125th minute of extra time when Belgium captain Youri Tielemans was fouled in the penalty area by Lamine Camara. Following a lengthy VAR review, Tielemans confidently converted the subsequent spot-kick to seal the win and leave the Senegal squad entirely furious at their exit.
- Senegal boycott threat: Senegal star Pape Gueye has gone on strike from the international team sparking a row with head coach Pape Thiaw. In a post to his Instagram story, the 27-year-old said: “l’Il be back to give you a few words regarding elimination… but l announce today that as long as it’s this technical staff l’II take a break from the selection.”
- Mixed feelings for USA: Co-hosts the United States also booked their place in the round of 16 with a resilient 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring for the USA in the first half but left his team scrambling after receiving a red card in the 64th minute, for which Mauricio Pochettino was left furious.
- History made for co-hosts: Despite being restricted to 10 players, the USA squad sealed the win when Malik Tillman scored a brilliant free-kick in the 82nd minute to set up a last-16 clash with Belgium. The historic win successfully ended a 13-game World Cup winless streak for the United States against European opposition.
- World Cup LIVE: USA red card drama, Rice injury latest after England scare, Senegal fury
