England vs DR Congo 1st Half Live: Underdogs Take Shock Lead

ATLANTA: In England vs DR Congo round of 32 fixture, DR Congo is leading the match with 1-0 at halftime.

England vs DR Congo First-Half Breakdown

An uninspiring England side found themselves stunned just seven minutes into the match. DR Congo's captain, Chancel Mbemba, launched a deep, sweeping cross into the penalty area. The ball sailed over the head of Noah Sadiki but fell perfectly to winger Brian Cipenga on the left. 

Cipenga clinically shifted his body and fired a low strike that beat Jordan Pickford at his near post, sending the traveling Congolese fans into raptures. Thomas Tuchel’s men struggled to respond constructively. Ezri Konsa nearly gifted the Leopards a second goal in the 18th minute after dwelling too long on the ball near his own box. 

Nico O'Reilly attempted to spark life into the English side with a looping cross from the left, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi aggressively punched it clear before Jude Bellingham could connect.Tempers flared as the half progressed, and the referee was forced to clamp down on aggressive play. 

DR Congo’s physical defensive block was reflected on the disciplinary sheet when midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy received a yellow card for a late, cynical challenge to stop an England counterattack.The primary talking point arrived right before the interval. 

Harry Kane burst into the box and appeared to be brought down by an onrushing Mpasi. The Three Lions furiously appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved it away and instead showed Harry Kane a yellow card for simulation. 

Moments later, Mpasi made a phenomenal point-blank save against a Bellingham header, preserving the historic lead for the underdogs as the whistle blew.

Watch England vs DR Congo live on tapmad.