England won a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup as they defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after it ended 1-1 at full time in the round of 16 clash at Spartak Stadium, Moscow.
Colombia topped group H despite a loss in the first game, England followed the script and made it through to the round of 16 as runner up in group G.
Early goal mouth action came in from England with a free kick just outside the box which Ashley Young whipped at David Ospina to punch away.
England attacked with purpose in the early part of the game winning several corners and free kicks. None of them capitalized as Colombia defended well. At the quarter hour mark Harry Kane came close to head his team into the lead. With a cute angle he could only head over the cross bar.
Colombia gained possession for a few minutes and forced England to play in their half. Los Cafeteros tried to circulate the ball and open up the field with action limited only to the sidelines.
The first half came to a close with both teams barely troubling either of the goal keepers. Several shouts for unfair play by both teams were made for the VAR to have a second look. England had all the threats, Colombia defended smartly.
Half Time – Colombia 0 – 0 England
Second half got underway same as the first with England getting a free kick in a promising area. Ashley Young once again on duty as the ball was cleared away for a corner. The resulting corner was fruitful for England as Carlos Sanchez brought down Harry Kane for a penalty. Kane converted to give England the lead.
As Colombia chased the game, it gathered pace and opened up for England with spaces behind the Colombian midfield. The game looked ugly as tackles flew from the Colombians who looked unhappy by the goal and some English play acting.
In the final quarter Colombia were pushing men up and were on the ascendency, however couldn’t unlock the English defense. Against the run of play Colombia broke loose and was three against two only to see Juan Cuadrado shoot high and away missing a golden opportunity to equalize.
It seemed all over for Colombia until Yerry Mina climbed above all to head home the equalizer, his third in as many games, in the 93rd minute.
Full Time – Colombia 1 – 1 England
Extra Time
It was Colombia who was more adventurous with their fans bouncing in the stadium. England looked a whole different team unable to retain ball in the first period of extra time.
England looked menacing in the second period with Jamie Vardy leading the line. Danny Rose came in close in finding the winner. Game ended with the scores level.
Penalty Shootout
Jordan Henderson’s penalty was saved by Ospina but Mateus Uribe could not extend the advantage as he hit straight at the crossbar. Jordon Pickford was the hero for England has he saved the penalty from Carlos Bacca while Eric Dier scored the final penalty to secure the win.
Man of the Match – Harry Kane (England)
Goal Scorers
Colombia – Yerry Mina 90+3’
England – Harry Kane 58’ (P)Bookings
Yellow Cards
Colombia – Wilmar Barrios 41’, Santiago Arias 52’, Carlos Sanchez 54’, Radamel Falcao 63’, Carlos Bacca 64’, Juan Cuadrado 118’
England – Jordan Henderson 56’, Jesse Lingard 69’
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