England’s ended the World Cup penalty jinx by knocking out Colombia on spot kicks to reach the quarter-finals.
Eric Dier scored the winning kick after Jordan Pickford’s brilliant save from Carlos Bacca’s attempt, with England’s first ever World Cup shootout win setting up a meeting with Sweden in Samara on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate’s side had been seconds away from the last eight during normal time, with Harry Kane’s penalty after he was fouled by Carlos Sanchez in the box – his sixth goal of the tournament – looking as though it was going to send them through.
But deep into injury time, Colombia threw everyone forward for a Juan Cuadrado corner, including goalkeeper David Ospina, and Yerry Mina headed a dramatic equaliser at the Spartak Stadium.
Kieran Trippier was standing on the line but could not keep out the Barcelona centre-back’s third headed goal of the World Cup.
The Three Lions had been on top for most of the 90 minutes but appeared understandably deflated in extra time – although Danny Rose and Dier missed late chances to win the game and avoid a shootout.
Henderson had a penalty saved by Ospina in the shootout but Mateus Uribe smashed the following kick onto the crossbar to pave the way for Pickford and Dier to be England heroes.
No previous world champions stand between England and the final. The winners of their quarter-final will face either Croatia or hosts Russia for a place in the Moscow final on 15 July.
– England survive test of nerve –
England’s survived a test of nerve that will prove invaluable as they drive deeper into this World Cup after a night of noise, colour and hostility in Moscow.
Southgate’s side cast off the clouds of dread that have come over England in penalty shootouts in the past, a psychological lift that may yet help them further down the line.
Colombia made their intentions clear from the off. This was going to be a scrap and Jose Pekerman’s side would be the beneficiaries if England were dragged into it.
England lived on the edge in those physical exchanges but the manner in which they survived and came through that test will add an extra layer to the satisfaction.
And within the dogged team performance, individuals once more made their mark.
Everton goalkeeper Pickford received some criticism for his performance against Belgium but was outstanding here, not only saving that Bacca penalty but producing one of the saves of the World Cup from Uribe’s thunderous drive from 30 yards – which cruelly led to the corner that brought Mina’s equaliser.
And Trippier’s measured penalty was another indication of his growing maturity at this level, the Spurs full-back having again performed solidly down England’s right.
