Yoane Wissa reacts to history-making goal for DR Congo - 'My whole life flashed before my eyes'

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa managed to put his nightmare season behind him to go into the World Cup with renewed confidence.

After making his £55 million dream move from Brentford to Newcastle last summer, things started to unravel quickly for the DR Congo star.

The deal went through with 30 seconds to spare before the transfer deadline after Wissa had gone on strike at Brentford. That narrow miss should have been a sign of what was to come, as just days later, Wissa would pick up an injury on international duty that would keep him out of action for the first four months of the season.

Determined to prove his worth to Newcastle, who were struggling to get a foothold in the Premier League, Wissa rushed himself back from injury at a time when the Magpies weren't training fully due to European commitments. It backfired as the 28-year-old struggled to find form and therefore couldn't break his way into Eddie Howe's team.

Yoane Wissa's mother was a happy woman

Wissa was still able to help DR Congo book a place in their first-ever World Cup competition via the play-offs, however, and on Wednesday, Wissa led the line for his country as they managed to pick up a point against one of the tournament favourites, Portugal.

Not only did Wissa play well in that game, but he also bagged the goal that gave DR Congo their precious point. Speaking after the game (via CAFonline), Wissa spoke of his delight at his history-making moment.

“What did I feel? My whole life flashed before my eyes. I had waited for this moment for decades, just like the entire country. I saw myself again as a little boy dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. Emotionally, it was incredibly powerful.

“I still can’t believe it. I called my mother after the match and she couldn’t stop crying. I know my name will remain part of history. My mother means everything to me, and so does my father. We are three brothers and we are very close. Playing for DR Congo is a way of honouring their sacrifices.”

Newcastle players are having a low-key World Cup on the whole

Wissa followed Bruno Guimaraes in making an impact at the World Cup as the Newcastle captain set up Vinicius Jr for his goal to rescue an opening game point for Brazil.

Meanwhile, Dan Burn had to make do with a spot on the bench as an unused substitute as England beat Croatia 4-2 last night. A fate shared by both Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw as Germany demolished Curacao 7-1.

The World Cup is a welcome distraction from the realities of the summer transfer window right now, which can absolutely get in the sea unless something drastically changes in the next couple of days.