England trailed the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 late in the game Wednesday in Atlanta. The clock had passed the 70th minute. Then Harry Kane stepped in.
The 32-year-old Ballon d'Or favorite found the back of the net in the 75th minute to tie the match, according to Yahoo Sports. Eleven minutes later, Kane took a pass inside the box, maneuvered around three Congo defenders, and slipped a shot just past the goalkeeper's fingertips to complete the comeback.
The win sends England to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday night for the Round of 16, where Mexico awaits after breaking a 40-year knockout stage drought with a win over Ecuador on Tuesday.
The matchup carries historical weight. England returns to Estadio Azteca for the first time since June 22, 1986, the date of what many consider the most controversial game in World Cup history. That day, Diego Maradona scored with his hand, a goal that stood, and then scored again on a breakaway run. Argentina won the quarterfinal and went on to win the tournament. England fans have not forgotten.
Mexico counters with an attack built around Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez, and 17-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora. Mora is the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match in history. The only player younger was Pelé, who was 20 days younger when he played for Brazil in 1958. The three were central to Mexico's win over Ecuador.
England fans have already been watching footage of what Mexico supporters did to Ecuador before that match. Thousands of fans gathered outside the hotel where Ecuador was staying the night before the game. According to Yahoo Sports, the Ecuador squad got little to no sleep as fans below them partied, danced, shouted, banged drums, honked horns, and set off fireworks.
Reaction among England supporters on social media ranged from dread to outright fear.
"Now, if there's one country you don't wanna face in this World Cup, Mexico in their own city," said one English social media influencer.
Another added, "England fans, I am terrified of playing Mexico in the Azteca Stadium."
A third posted a video from outside Ecuador's hotel and opened with, "Mexicans are crazy," before showing the scenes that kept the Ecuador team awake.
The match is set for Sunday night.
