Kane lifts England over Tunisia, 2-1
VOLGOGRAD, Russia — Twice wrestled to the ground during the match, England captain Harry Kane finally evaded the Tunisian defence just as time was running out. Kane found an open area of space at the far post and used his head to meet Harry Maguire’s flick-on, scoring the winning goal Monday in a 2-1 victory at the World Cup.
“You go until the last second,” Kane said, “and I’m absolutely buzzing.”
It was relief for Kane and Gareth Southgate, who leapt into the air in delight as his World Cup debut as a coach got off to a winning start.
“The best teams in the world keep that belief in what they’re doing,” Southgate said, “and in the end, they break the opposition down.”
England shouldn’t have found it so tough in its Group G opener. Not after Kane got England off to a perfect start with an 11thminute tap in. But after Kyle Walker softly conceded a penalty that Ferjani Sassi converted in the 35th, many of the fouls went against England.
“Maybe there was a bit of justice at the end,” Kane said.
Finally, Kane showcased on the international stage the predatory instinct in front of goal that has served Tottenham so well. Only two years ago, the striker failed to find the net at the 2016 European Championship, which ended in humiliation with a loss to Iceland in the last 16.
BELGIUM 3, PANAMA 0
SOCHI, Russia — Unlike other World Cup favourites that struggled through their opening matches, Belgium looked every part the title contender in a 3-0 triumph over Panama. Romelu Lukaku scored twice and Dries Mertens netted the other goal.