England fans were put through the ringer last night, but could eventually breathe a big sigh of relief as captain Harry Kane's two late goals secured victory over Democratic Republic of Congo.
The game was watched by thousands of people all across Sussex, many of whom gathered at Central Park – the fan zone next to Black Rock on Brighton beach.
There was a sense of optimism before the 5pm kick-off, as the crowds built up in the glorious afternoon sunshine at the fan park.
Miles and Wilbur, both from Brighton, were among those soaking up the atmosphere.
They’d been frustrated by England’s inconsistent performances so far, but insisted the mood was still upbeat.
"Hopefully we pick it up against the Leopards," they said ahead of the game, predicting a comfortable 2‑0 or 3‑0 win and backing Kane to get on the scoresheet.
Will and Amy were visiting from Portsmouth.
"We’re supposed to be having a few nights away together," Amy said, "but the football’s on! So we’re here."
"She wanted to be here," Will insisted. "There’s nothing better than a World Cup."
Amy said she was enjoying the fan park.
"The atmosphere here is really good," she said. "It’s nice to be outside.
"I think we’ll win tonight."
"One-nil," Will added.
Despite the optimism, most of the game did not go to plan, with DR Congo taking an early lead when Brian Cipenga netted in the seventh minute.
Tension and frustration built in the fan park as England failed to break down the resolute Congolese backline.
But relief and beer erupted everywhere when Kane headed in with 15 minutes to go.
Suddenly, it felt like England were in the ascendancy.
Ecstasy spread throughout the fan zone when Kane went one better and speared a stunning strike unstoppably into the top corner.
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Will, who came down from London just to watch the game on the beach, said his belief was waning as England entered the second half 1-0 down.
"It was terrifying, it was nerve-wracking," he said. "It was nail-biting - it was horrible!
"But in the end it was all worth it.
"At the end it was release, it was absolute ecstasy."
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