Frances Tiafoe was beaming as he learned England were 1-0 down to DR Congo (Image: Getty)
Frances Tiafoe was told to “wipe the smile” off his face as he learned that England had fallen a goal behind to DR Congo in their World Cup round of 32 clash on Wednesday. The Three Lions slipped up early in Atlanta, Brian Cipenga opening the scoring just seven minutes in after being left unmarked at the back post.
And Tiafoe, who was being interviewed by BBC Sport at Wimbledon while the game was playing out, was seemingly delighted to learn that Thomas Tuchel’s side were behind. He said: “England’s playing right now, are you?” as he was told that they were 1-0 down. He added: “I see that,” as he started to grin.
He added: “Oh, you don’t want to talk about that though, do you?” before the interviewer replied: “What do you think we need to change? I mean, that smile…You better wipe that smile off, my man.”
Tiafoe chuckled as the clip, which was uploaded to social media, faded out. However, it was the Three Lions who had the last laugh.
Despite remaining 1-0 down for the majority of the outing, Harry Kane came to the nation’s rescue with 15 minutes left to play, heading home a towering header from close range to equalise. The captain then bagged his brace – and ultimately, a 2-1 win – 11 minutes later with an absolute rocket from inside the area.
To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or tennis newsletter
Harry Kane won the match for England (Image: Getty)
As a result, England now face Mexico in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, July 6. The Three Lions will be up against it when they travel to the ground in Coyoacan, Mexico City, with the home supporters sure the make it a difficult atmosphere.
Tiafoe will have been pleased to learn the result of his own nation’s World Cup clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, which took place in San Francisco at 1am BST on Thursday morning. The USA secured a comfortable 2-0 win over their European opponents courtesy of goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman.
However, they will head into their round of 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 7, without Balogun as a result of the striker being sent off for catching Tarik Muharemović on the calf with his studs. It comes as Tiafoe is currently eyeing a maiden Grand Slam title on the courts of SW19.
The 28-year-old’s best attempt in London came in the form of a fourth-round finish back in 2022, where he was ultimately sent packing by David Goffin in a five-set classic. At this year’s instalment, meanwhile, Tiafoe secured a 7-6 6-1 4-6 6-4 win over Terence Atmane in his opener on Tuesday.
As a result, he will now play Jan Choinski in the second round at 4.20pm on Thursday. A win there will see him face either Kryian Jacquet or Alexander Bublik in round three, dependent on the outcome of their match at 4pm.