Kane Sets New Record with World Cup Brace Against Congo
Harry Kane has eclipsed Pele’s World Cup goalscoring record, netting a crucial late brace in England’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. This triumph secured England’s spot in the round of 16.
With full-time approaching, the Three Lions faced a potential exit from the tournament after the Congo took an early lead in the seventh minute. However, Kane provided a glimmer of hope with an equalizer in the 75th minute, tying his World Cup total to Pele’s 12 goals.
Kane’s winning strike not only revived England’s fortunes but also marked him as a national hero, as he moved ahead of the Brazilian icon in the World Cup goals tally. England is set to clash with co-hosts Mexico in the next round on July 5 at Estadio Azteca.
Reflections on the Match and Achievements
Following the match, Kane expressed his excitement, stating, “It feels great to do this. What a crazy match! After the first hydration break, I felt the level increased, and I was in good form.” He credited the opposing goalkeeper, Lionel Mpathi, who made several remarkable saves, and reflected on the importance of perseverance: “If we keep hitting the rock, our moment will come.”
Kane emphasized that every player on the team has their potential for a game-changing moment, whether through a key save or a crucial block from a defender. “We had a hero moment today, and that was mine,” he added.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
In the opening moments, England was initially stunned as Congo’s Brian Shipenga capitalized on defensive gaps, scoring with a curling shot past Jordan Pickford. England’s efforts to equalize were thwarted as Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford came close but were denied by Mpathi’s outstanding goalkeeping and a last-ditch clearance from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The first half was chaotic, filled with errors from both sides. England barely survived another near miss when Yoan Ouissa’s powerful strike struck the post, leaving the team on edge. Despite Kane’s appeal for a penalty after a fall in the box, the referee dismissed the claim, attributing it to a dive.
Kane’s Record-Breaking Journey
However, Kane quickly turned the tide, netting two goals just after the 75th minute. This brought his tournament total to five, placing him just one behind Lionel Messi in the chase for the Golden Boot. Notably, Kane previously became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with his goal in a 2-0 win over Panama.
Pele, the legendary Brazilian forward, achieved 12 goals in just 16 World Cup matches and remains the only player to have won three World Cups, claiming titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Kane’s achievement adds another milestone to his impressive career, extending his all-time England tally to 84 goals across 117 appearances and 20 in significant international tournaments.
A Celebration of Team Spirit
In what was Kane’s 15th start against the Democratic Republic of Congo, he has now set the record for the most starts by an outfield player for England’s men’s team. Following the victory, Kane and his teammates celebrated with fans, singing Oasis’s “Wonderwall” at Atlanta Stadium, where he was seen proudly kissing the badge on his jersey.
“I told the players to enjoy this win,” Kane remarked. “As an England player, it’s important to celebrate these moments, especially after tough matches where expectations are high. We are here to fight for every moment in the World Cup, and I want my teammates to enjoy this as much as they can before we prepare for the next challenge.”
