Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

England vs DR Congo first half delivered one of the sharpest World Cup knockout shocks so far, with Brian Cipenga giving the Democratic Republic of the Congo a 1-0 lead over England at halftime in Atlanta.

The Round of 32 tie began with England expected to control the match, but DR Congo started faster, pressed with belief and punished England’s loose defensive shape inside the opening seven minutes. The winner of this tie will move on to face Mexico in the next round.

For more World Cup knockout coverage, read Mauricio Pochettino USMNT Test Is About More Than Beating Bosnia, while official match updates are available through the FIFA England v Congo DR match centre.

How DR Congo Scored

DR Congo struck in the seventh minute through Brian Cipenga, who caught Jordan Pickford at the near post after England failed to deal with the danger quickly enough. India Today reported that Cipenga’s finish beat Pickford at the near post, while Guardian updates described it as a defensive lapse that gave DR Congo the early lead.

The goal changed the rhythm immediately. DR Congo had enjoyed more than 75 percent possession in the first eight minutes, and their quick start left England chasing the game rather than setting the tempo.

England’s Missed First-Half Chances

England improved after the hydration break and began to push harder through Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and Noni Madueke. Bellingham twice forced strong saves from Lionel Mpasi, including a header from Madueke’s right-wing cross in stoppage time.

Kane also had a late first-half chance from Declan Rice’s corner, meeting the dropping ball near the right side of the six-yard box, but Mpasi again kept DR Congo ahead. Rashford had an effort cleared, while Kane also had a penalty appeal checked and waved away.

Possession, Fouls And Cards

ESPN’s live team-stat feed listed England at 41 percent possession, with 0.69 expected goals, one shot on goal, one big chance missed, 170 accurate passes, 24 duels won, three saves and six fouls. That stat line showed England had moments, but not enough control or sharpness.

The half was also physical. Jude Bellingham was booked for England in the 19th minute, while Noah Sadiki was booked for DR Congo in the 27th minute.

What The First Half Means

DR Congo’s plan worked because Cipenga kept attacking England’s right side, especially against Djed Spence. Guardian’s live updates called Cipenga against Spence the signature duel of the half.

For England, the warning is clear. Thomas Tuchel’s side created enough pressure to threaten, but poor finishing, slow reactions and Mpasi’s saves left them behind at the break.