Barcelona forward Anthony Gordon has made World Cup history after becoming the first substitute ever to provide two assists in a World Cup knockout match.
Gordon came on in the 60th minute to replace Marcus Rashford on the left flank, just when England were trailing DR Congo 1-0.
Less than 15 minutes later, the Three Lions roared back into the game.
The Barcelona forward floated a beautiful cross from the left for Harry Kane, who peeled away from his marker and nodded the ball past the DR Congo goalkeeper into the bottom-left corner. Exactly the kind of service England had been crying out for.
Hold up! Gordon never finish.
With just four minutes left in normal time, England completed the comeback. Gordon reacted quickest after Dimitry Mpasi saved an initial effort, worked the ball back to Kane on the edge of the box, and England’s all-time leading scorer smashed a thunderbolt high into the right corner.
No stopping that one!
Anthony Gordon’s impact against DR Congo won’t be forgotten anytime soon. In less than 30 minutes on the pitch, he delivered two assists to help Harry Kane become the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990.
Beyond the assists, Gordon also posted impressive numbers and 8.1 rating on Fotmob:
- 18/20 accurate passes
- 2 chances created
- 1 big chance created
- 1 shot off target
- 34 touches
- 3 touches inside the opposition box
- 2 interceptions
- 1 recovery
All that in just 29 minutes.
Anthony Gordon Silences His Critics
Criticism? Oh yes.
Before this heroic performance, the Barcelona winger faced plenty of criticism following his displays against Croatia and Ghana.
Some African football supporters, especially fans from Nigeria, Ghana, and other African football communities on X and Facebook, emotionally and humorously questioned both his World Cup selection and Barcelona’s decision to sign him.
Some of the reactions included:
“Na this guy dem spend €70m on? Chineke!”
“Abeg bench Gordon make Rashford start.”
“This boy dey run well, but e no get final product.”
“Lamine dey play football, Gordon dey do exercise.”
“Who convince Barça say make dem buy this guy?”
“Na only speed Gordon get, wetin happen to brain?”
“This one no be Barça standard abeg.”
“If na Newcastle collect €70m, dem don cash out.”
“Omo, Gordon just dey disappear for big match.”
“Abeg return am give Newcastle before receipt expire.”
“Rashford for dey wear this Barça jersey instead.”
“Na Ghana defenders pocket am finish.”
Anthony Gordon for sure don read una sentiments on Africa Sport Network.
Una mind don dey. 😆
Gordon was also described as a “wasteful finisher” by New Telegram in their player ratings. Against Ghana in England’s goalless draw, the 25-year-old was criticised for poor decision-making in the final third and for failing to convert promising chances.
Goal also labelled his performance as having “poor end product.” Many emotional fans believed he consistently got into dangerous positions but lacked the final pass or finishing touch. Social media was flooded with complaints that he wasn’t making enough of his pace and direct running.
The criticism didn’t stop there.
One of the most widely shared reactions was:
“Newcastle must be laughing!”
Others joked that Barcelona should “check if the ink’s dry” on his contract after such a disappointing performance.
Before England’s Round of 32 clash with DR Congo, many supporters believed Marcus Rashford deserved to start ahead of Gordon on the left wing. There was also significant debate over Thomas Tuchel’s attacking selections.
But football changes fast.
Coming off the bench against DR Congo, Gordon completely flipped the narrative.
His two assists inspired England’s comeback victory and secured a 2-1 win that sent the Three Lions into the next round.
He also became the first substitute in World Cup history to register two assists in a knockout match.
From being labelled wasteful and lacking end product after the group stage, Anthony Gordon has now forced many of his critics to rethink their opinions.
Na football be this. Today dem go drag you. Tomorrow, na you go save the country.
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