England being a new leaf entered in their no so glittering world cup quarter-finals. They have entered the quarterfinals of the World Cup after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties. The Three Lions have actually done it. Seawater might become drinkable and US President Trump might stop tweeting after England finally banished their demons from 12 yards for their first shootout victory in World Cup history.
English fans at the Spartak Stadium here on Tuesday that they might have needed confirmation from the person sitting next. So pathetic had been England’s record. The win on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 in open play must have been so surreal for the They had lost six tie-breakers in major tournaments, three apiece at the World Cup and Euro. A win over Spain at Euro 1996 had been their sole shootout solace until the Colombia result.
Following Trippier’s confident conversion, Pickford saved Carlos Bacca’s penalty brilliantly to take England closer to the next round. Ospina saved Jordan Henderson’s attempt to put Colombia 3-2 ahead but Uribe crashed his shot on to the bar to fritter away the advantage. The weight of a nation’s expectations was on substitute Eric Dier’s right foot and he delivered to write a new chapter in English football.
FIFA World Cup 2018: All you need to know about World Cup quarterfinals
FIFA WC: England beat Colombia in penalty shootout, to book quarter-final berth
Check out FIFA WC 2018 quarter-finals, Semi Finals schedule