By Lukman OMIKUNLE
England, Belgium and the USA battled through dramatic FIFA World Cup knockout clashes, with Harry Kane’s late heroics, Belgium’s stunning comeback and USA’s 10-man victory sealing Round of 16 places
Late Heroics, Red Card Drama and Stunning Comebacks Send England, Belgium and USA Through
England, Belgium and the United States booked their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after producing three gripping knockout victories filled with late goals, remarkable comebacks and high drama.
England left it until the closing stages to crush Congo DR’s hopes in Atlanta, with captain Harry Kane once again proving decisive. Brian Cipenga had stunned the Three Lions by giving the Leopards the lead before a resilient Congolese defence marshalled by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku appeared set to pull off a famous upset.
Kane, however, rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side in the 75th minute, powering home a pinpoint cross from Anthony Gordon to level the contest. The England skipper was not finished. Deep into the closing moments, the 32-year-old unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that completed a stunning turnaround and secured a mouth-watering Round of 16 clash with Mexico.
The dramatic victory marked England’s first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match in six decades, dating back to the iconic 4-2 triumph over West Germany in the 1966 final inspired by Geoff Hurst. Kane’s stunning winner, struck at the home of the Atlanta Falcons with NFL quarterback Justin Fields watching from the stands, further cemented his reputation as England’s biggest-game performer.
Belgium produced an equally astonishing escape against Senegal, overturning a two-goal deficit in the dying minutes to snatch victory. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had the Lions of Teranga cruising with a commanding lead before the Red Devils mounted another unforgettable comeback reminiscent of their famous fightback against Japan at the 2018 World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku ignited Belgium’s revival before Youri Tielemans levelled the scores to force extra time. With penalties looming, Tielemans won and calmly converted a decisive spot-kick to complete an extraordinary turnaround and send Belgium into the next round, where they will face the United States.
For Senegal, Ismaila Sarr’s goal carried personal significance despite the heartbreaking defeat. It was his fourth of the tournament, equalling the African record for goals in a single World Cup edition set by Cameroon’s Roger Milla. Sarr now sits just one goal behind Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan’s all-time continental World Cup scoring mark.
The United States also endured a nerve-racking afternoon as Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina despite playing much of the contest with 10 men.
It was an unforgettable outing for Folarin Balogun. The Monaco striker first saw a goal ruled out before finding the net with a finish that stood, celebrating with LeBron James’ famous “The Silencer” gesture, prompting a reaction from the NBA icon himself. Balogun’s afternoon then took another twist when he was shown a red card after the interval.
Reduced to 10 men, the Americans refused to buckle. They defended resolutely before Malik Tillman settled the contest with a superb free-kick, sealing a memorable victory and setting up a heavyweight Round of 16 showdown against Belgium.
Three knockout matches, three remarkable stories and a day filled with resilience, late drama and unforgettable moments ensured England, Belgium and the United States marched into the last 16 with momentum firmly on their side.
