16.3 million tune in to watch England beat DR Congo in World Cup last 16

England's dramatic win over DR Congo in the World Cup last 16 attracts an audience of 16.3 million on the BBC, setting a new tournament record.

England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Women's World Cup round of 16 drew a peak audience of 16.3 million on the BBC, making it the most-watched women's football match in UK history. The thrilling encounter, played in Australia, saw England come from behind to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. The match started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out. DR Congo, known for their defensive solidity, frustrated England's attacking efforts in the first half. The Lionesses dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime. England came out with renewed energy in the second half. In the 55th minute, a well-worked move saw forward Alessia Russo slot home from close range to give England the lead. However, DR Congo responded brilliantly, equalizing in the 70th minute through a powerful header from a corner kick. The goal stunned England and set up a tense finale. With the match heading towards extra time, England's midfield star Georgia Stanway stepped up. In the 85th minute, she curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, restoring England's lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the players and fans, and England held on to win 2-1. The broadcast numbers were staggering. The BBC reported that 16.3 million viewers tuned in at the peak, surpassing the previous record set by England's group stage matches. This figure highlights the growing popularity of women's football in the UK and globally. The match also trended on social media, with fans praising the quality and drama of the game. England manager Sarina Wiegman praised her team's resilience: "We knew it would be tough. DR Congo made it very difficult for us, but we showed character to come back and win. The support from the fans was incredible." DR Congo's coach expressed pride in his team's performance, noting that they had pushed one of the tournament favorites to the limit. England will now face a strong opponent in the quarter-finals, with hopes of winning their first World Cup title. Meanwhile, DR Congo's campaign ends in the round of 16, but they have earned respect for their spirited displays. The record viewership has sparked discussions about the commercial future of women's football. Analysts believe that such high ratings will attract more sponsors and broadcasters, leading to increased investment in the sport. This bodes well for the continued growth of women's football at all levels.

16.3 million tune in to watch England beat DR Congo in World Cup last 16

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