England: 2, DR Congo: 1
England’s talent got them just past DR Congo, but it was shaky for a long time.
DR Congo scored in the seventh minute, left winger Brian Cipenga was able to find an opening in the English defense, and slotted one inside the near post. From there, they had to defend for about 83 minutes and stop England from scoring.
The first half was a defensive clinic, and amazing work from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who made save after save. Right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka also had a clearance off the line, keeping the game at 1-0.
England were looking stale, and brought on substitutes Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. It would be Gordon who would be the most impactful player off the bench. In the 75th minute, he crossed one in, and it was headed in by striker Harry Kane.
In the 86th minute, Gordon gave it to Kane again, but it was Kane’s incredible strike into the roof of the net that would be the headliner. Kane, who has struggled in prior knockout games for England, put the nation on his shoulders and drugged them to the next round.
In the Round of 16, England will play Mexico, a match they should win at a neutral location, but the game will be in Mexico City, and should be a lot of trouble for the Three Lions.
Player of the Match: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Belgium: 3, Senegal: 2
The best comeback at this World Cup so far, Belgium marched on after being minutes away from being eliminated.
Senegal scored the first goals of the match, central midfielder Habib Diarra tapped in a rebound after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois dove after a ball that hit the post. Later in the second half, striker Ismaila Sarr scored his fourth of the tournament after getting behind the Belgium defense and hitting it past Courtois.
Belgium had to make risky substitutions, bringing off some of their stars, attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and left winger Jeremy Doku, in favor of fresher legs to try to get them back into the game.
Belgium fans had to wait until the 86th minute to get some hope, as substitute Romelu Lukaku put them on the board. They still needed another goal, but it would be long until they got it. In the 89th minute, a header from Youri Tielemans was put over the Senegalese goalkeeper, sending the game to extra time just like that.
Belgium had one good chance in the second half of extra time, substitute Dodi Lukebakio had an open net, but he hit the crossbar. The Belgian players were begging for a foul from earlier in the play, and after a long look at it, a penalty was given to Belgium.
There was a lot of protest from the Senegal players, which was part trying to play mind games with Belgium, making them think about this high pressure penalty. Eventually, in the 125th minute of the game, Tielemans comfortably put it into the top corner, winning it for Belgium.
Belgium will play the United States in the Round of 16.
Player of the Match: Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
United States: 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina: 0
A bittersweet win for the United States, getting into the Round of 16, but losing one of their best players in the process.
Striker Folarin Balogun scored originally to make it 1-0, but it was called out for offside. It wasn’t long after where Balogun scored again to make it 1-0, this time he was onside, putting the USA in front right before halftime.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were unable to get many chances in the game, mostly having to play in their own half. They were never a threat to win, and it was more of a question of how many the United States would score.
Disaster struck for the USA, not from conceding a goal, but from an unfortunate tackle. Balogun caught the back of a Bosnian player with his cleat, and the referee deemed it was serious foul play, sending him off with a red card.
Balogun will miss the next match against Belgium as well, a significant blow.
In the 82nd minute, attacking midfielder Malik Tillman scored a direct free kick to make it 2-0, which would ultimately be the final score.
The United States will have a tough game against Belgium in the Round of 16, but not a game they shouldn’t win, even without Balogun. Belgium would need a vintage performance from their aging stars in order to win this one.
Player of the Match: Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)