The round of 32 kept serving up drama, and last night's matches produced three places in the round of 16 — all earned the hard way. From a late English comeback, to a stoppage-time extra-time penalty, to an American backs-to-the-wall stand with ten men, it was a night to remember.
England 2-1 DR Congo — Kane rescues the Three Lions
England were on the brink of a huge upset after DR Congo went ahead through Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute — Congo's first-ever goal in the knockout stages. The Three Lions trailed for most of the game before captain Harry Kane took over in the final fifteen minutes: he headed home substitute Anthony Gordon's cross to level, then struck a stunning winner in the 86th. The brace sends England into a round-of-16 tie with hosts Mexico on July 6. (Sky Sports)
Belgium 3-2 Senegal — a 125th-minute penalty
Senegal produced a huge performance and forced Belgium into extra time after a thrilling draw. Just as everyone braced for penalties, Belgium won a spot-kick in the 125th minute, and Youri Tielemans converted to snatch a 3-2 win and a round-of-16 ticket at the death. A painful exit for the Lions of Teranga after a display worthy of praise. (Olympics)
USA 2-0 Bosnia — a historic win with ten men
The United States earned a precious win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Folarin Balogun scored just before half-time, then received a controversial red card in the 64th minute (reports pointed to a misapplied VAR protocol). Despite being a man down, the US held firm and Malik Tillman added a second from a free kick in the 82nd to seal a 2-0 win — their second-ever World Cup knockout victory. The Americans now face Belgium in the round of 16. (CBS News)
Our take: the knockouts show no mercy
What these games shared is that none was easy. England needed Kane's brilliance to avoid disaster, Belgium were only settled in the dying breath of extra time, and the USA had to fight with ten men. That is the essence of the knockouts: no room for error, and every second can flip a fate. As the round of 16 takes shape, the upcoming ties — chiefly USA vs Belgium and England vs Mexico — promise even more drama.
Follow Malaab Al-An for the remaining round-of-32 results and full round-of-16 coverage.