The World Cup Round of 32 has featured significant matches, with England securing a victory over DR Congo and Senegal taking an early lead against Belgium. These games are part of a busy day of knockout stage action, which also includes a match between the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the match between England and DR Congo, England emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. The game saw DR Congo take an early lead in the seventh minute. Despite this, England pressed for an equalizer, generating numerous chances. DR Congo‘s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, made several notable saves throughout the first half, including denying a header from Jude Bellingham and a right-footed volley from Harry Kane.
The second half began with England continuing its offensive push. Harry Kane eventually broke through, heading in a cross from Anthony Gordon to tie the game at 1-1. Later in the half, Kane scored his second goal, putting England ahead 2-1. This goal came after Lionel Mpasi saved a shot from Jude Bellingham, with Anthony Gordon collecting the rebound and finding Kane, who then scored with a right-footed strike. DR Congo‘s efforts to equalize in the final moments, including a free kick from Yoane Wissa, were unsuccessful, leading to England‘s advancement to the Round of 16.
Senegal takes lead against Belgium
In another Round of 32 fixture, Senegal established a 1-0 lead over Belgium during the second half. The match, which kicked off in Seattle, saw Senegal‘s early attacking efforts pay off. After a header from Ismaïla Sarr hit the post, Habib Diarra collected the rebound and scored with a right-footed shot, giving Senegal the lead.
Senegal‘s goalkeeper, Mory Diaw, played a crucial role in maintaining their advantage, making several saves. He stopped a shot from Leandro Trossard and later made two more saves, including one on a deflected shot and a diving stop on a shot from Maxim De Cuyper following a corner. Both teams displayed an attacking style of play throughout the first half.
The starting lineups for the Belgium vs. Senegal match featured some key changes for Senegal. Pape Gueye started in midfield, replacing Lamine Camara. Gueye had previously scored two goals in Senegal‘s 5-0 victory over Iraq in the group stage. Pathe Ciss also started for Senegal, taking the place of defender Abdoulaye Seck. In the forward line, Iliman Ndiaye joined Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane, with Ibrahim Mbaye on the bench. Notably, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was not in the starting lineup. Belgium, on the other hand, maintained the same starting lineup from their previous game, a 5-1 win over New Zealand.
Looking ahead for Belgium and the U.S.
Belgium‘s advancement to the knockout round, where they topped Group G, marks an improvement from their performance at the previous World Cup, where they did not progress past the group stage. The team had a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Following their 5-1 victory over New Zealand, coach Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting that they had achieved the minimum expectation of finishing first in their group. He also emphasized the challenge posed by Senegal in the knockout phase.
The U.S. national team is scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8 p.m. ET. The U.S. is considered favored to win this match, which would mark their first knockout match victory since 2002. All matches are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
The day’s events also included discussions around hydration breaks, with U.S. women’s coach Lindsay Heaps expressing her dislike for them, stating they interrupt the momentum of the game. Meanwhile, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres commented on Sweden‘s loss to France, which resulted in their elimination from the competition. England‘s victory over DR Congo was a hard-fought 2-1 win.
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Source: nbcnews.com
