ENGLAND’S Harry Kane-inspired DR Congo comeback was apparently fuelled by the water breaks.
Swiss 56-year-old Fifa boss Gianni Infantino reckons the two hydration intervals, in the middle of both halves, helped Thomas Tuchel’s wet wipes eventually clean up.
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Thomas Tuchel’s side seemed to perk up after their drinks breaks Credit: Getty
Harry Kane scored two fine goals after pouring water over his famous face Credit: Getty
Livewire Brian Cipenga gave the underdogs a seventh-minute lead when England’s wingers refused to track back and our defence forgot how to defend.
Jordan Pickford didn’t seem to know the difference between his front post and a lamp post, as the angled shot rifled past him.
But Tottenham legend and Munich goal machine Kane nodded in an equaliser and crashed home a corker to save the day and paper over the deepening cracks.
However the controversial new breaks – that are being given commercial advert time on some American TV broadcasts – got the credit from Infantino.
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He said: “After an intense start to both halves, England used their hydration breaks well to regroup, re-organise and get on the front foot before finding the net twice in the final 15 minutes.
“These breaks are so important to give players a break during tournament play, while also allowing all coaches a dedicated moment in every match – not just depending on the weather conditions – to engage directly with their players.
“Overall, this was another fantastic Fifa World Cup contest involving two great teams – in a fantastic venue in Atlanta.”
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Gianni Infantino credited England’s water breaks with helping their comeback Credit: Getty
Iconic England marksman Alan Shearer dislikes how the thirst quenchers dry up the momentum and atmosphere.
But he admitted a splash of aqua might have helped his old national side wake up.
The BBC pundit said at half-time: “I don’t agree with them but it has come at the right time for England.
“You can see Thomas Tuchel going around all his players because not one of them has put in a performance yet.”
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The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up.
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire.
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Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32.
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And German gaffer Tuchel confirmed that a bit of liquid inspiration helped him turn his team around.
He said: “I make the most of it.
“You know I don’t really love them.
“I enjoy football more when it plays out with momentum and players and teams have to find their way into it in these kinds of momentums.
“It is a free-flowing game that is more interrupted than I thought.
“But they are here, why would I not try and take advantage? I felt today it was easier today to speak to players, they were very calm, very receptive.
“Sometimes the water breaks can be a bit chaotic, everyone tries to encourage, everyone has a message, everyone tries to help.
“I felt them quite calm and quite focused in the key moments.”
