The Three Lions of England came out on top in a dramatic game against Colombia to progress to the quarter finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Colombians were more aggressive and resorted to dark arts against the Three Lions as tempers flared with the referee losing control of the game for most parts. With little football being played and few chances created at both ends, there was nothing to separate both sides at half time.
In the second half however, England were handed a penalty and a golden opportunity to go ahead after Carlos Sanchez brought down Harry Kane in the box during a corner kick.
The moment Kane’s penalty hit the back of the net, England took their foot off the pedal as Colombia had to do the chasing for the remainder of the game. Just like C. Sanchez handed England the initiative, Walker gifted Colombia the ball in a dangerous position but Cuadrado couldn’t profit.
Colombia however kept piling the pressure and it soon paid off as Uribe looked to catch Pickford off guard with a long range effort but the England goalkeeper was alert to make a crucial finger tip save. However for the third time in as many games, Yerry Mina rose highest in the England box to head in Cuadrado’s corner kick and draw Colombia level.
With a minute of added on time left after the wild celebrations both teams did well not to go all out and try to win it as that could backfire like we saw between Belgium and Japan.
In the first period of extra time Colombia had their tails up but couldn’t profit from it. England then had their chances with Vardy and Rose coming closest for the three Lions. Off to penalties!!!
England hadn’t won a penalty shootout at the World Cup in three attempts but ithe Three Lions were determined to turn that around as they would do anything to progress.
The two captains, Falcao and Kane took responsibility scoring their penalty kicks to give their teams the needed boost. Cuadrado and Rashford then followed suit to make it 2-2. Muriel then scored to give Colombia the lead again but this time Henderson fails to convert for England as David Ospina pulled off an astounding save to deny the Liverpool man.
Uribe then hits the underneath of the crossbar as Trippier scores to make it 3-3. All square again! With both teams missing one penalty each, the final round of penalties became even more crucial. Carlos Becca then stepped up for Colombia and his effort was well saved by Jordan Pickford as Eric Dier scored for England to make it 3-4 and send the Three Lions into the quarter finals.
England will do battle with Sweden on Saturday for a place in the semis finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
