Congo DR Goalkeeper Is Doing His Best Tim Howard Impression Against England

England has run into a wall. And his name is Lionel Mpasi.

The Congo DR goalkeeper has been absolutely ridiculous in this Round of 32 knockout match. We’re past the 60th minute now and England still hasn’t scored. Congo leads 1-0 after an early first-half goal, and England is officially on upset alert.

Mpasi has four saves so far. That number doesn’t sound wild until you watch the replays. He’s diving, stretching, getting fingertips on balls that looked destined for the back of the net. Harry Kane has been denied. Multiple English attackers have been denied. It’s one of those nights where the keeper just decides he’s not letting anything in.

That Howard comparison again

It’s impossible to watch this and not think about Tim Howard’s legendary 2014 World Cup performance against Belgium. Howard made 16 saves that day, 12 in regulation and four more in extra time. That’s a record that might genuinely never be broken. It was one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in World Cup history.

Mpasi isn’t anywhere near that total yet. But the vibe is similar. The helplessness on the faces of English attackers. The crowd growing quieter with each save. The sense that this might just be one of those games where a goalkeeper steals the show.

What Mpasi is doing matters because of the stakes. This is knockout soccer. One mistake and you’re done. England came in as the clear favorite on paper, but Congo has been organized defensively and dangerous on the counter. That early goal gave them something to protect, and Mpasi has been the last line of everything.

Can Congo hold on?

England is pushing now. They have to. The longer it stays 1-0, the more desperate they’ll get. And desperation in knockout soccer can either produce brilliance or chaos.

Mpasi has been tested four times officially. The eye test says it feels like more. He’s commanding his box. He’s communicating with his backline. He’s playing like a guy who knows this could be the biggest game of his career.

If Congo holds on for the win, Mpasi’s name will be remembered the way Howard’s is. That’s the beauty of tournament soccer. One performance can define a career. Mpasi is 60 minutes into that kind of night.

England has about 30 minutes left to avoid becoming the latest heavy favorite to get stunned. And Mpasi has about 30 minutes left to finish what he started.