Thomas Tuchel could not contain his anger as he struck the floor with his water bottle after DR Congo took an early lead against England in their World Cup round of 32 clash. The moment of fury came in the seventh minute, when Brian Cipenga, who plays for Spanish side UD Almeria, slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford at the near post. For the next 68 minutes, the Three Lions looked to be failing to capitalise on any chance, and the World Cup dream seemed to be slipping away.
Then, in the 75th minute, Harry Kane scored his fourth goal of the tournament to lift hopes. He added a rocket in the 86th minute, firing into the top right side of the net to seal a spot in the last 16. But before the equaliser, England were denied a penalty after Kane went to ground following contact with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi's arm. Referee Adham Makhadmeh decided it was not a penalty after a VAR check, despite brief accusations of diving. On commentary, Newcastle icon Alan Shearer said: “There is contact, there is no doubt. For me that is a penalty. Kane may have made the most of it but the keeper has come out and his hands are there. If he is going to come rushing out like that with his hands, as a forward you have every right to make connection and go down.” But Wayne Rooney took the opposite stance, claiming Kane dived.
“Tuchel hurled a bottle after DR Congo's early goal; Kane scored twice; BBC outage nearly missed Bellingham goal.”
Meanwhile, many fans were left frustrated after the BBC's coverage cut out unexpectedly for several seconds during a crucial moment. The technical issue nearly caused viewers to miss Jude Bellingham's goal, sending supporters into meltdown. Bellingham, who had earlier been grabbed by an England team-mate and told to calm down, helped steer the team forward.
England will now face Mexico in Mexico City on Monday at 1am, with their next match in the last 16. The knockout stages are hotting up, with France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina all serious contenders. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have already been knocked out on penalties in the round of 32.