England finally ended their penalties curse when they
beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout after drawing their World Cup
last-16 clash 1-1 following extra time after the South Americans
equalized in the 93rd minute.
England had previously lost all three World Cup shootouts and
three of four in the European Championship but prevailed on Tuesday
when Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca failed to convert, leaving Eric
Dier to win the game for England.
England have had many great players over the years. Bobby
Charlton, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Paul Scholes;
the list goes on and on, but none of them ever did what this side
has done.
None of them ever won a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup.
Ahead of this tournament, there was widespread talk that this
team was different, this group of players was operating on a
different wave-length, detached from the crap, detached from the
ego, unaffected by the pressure.
Many had doubted that, assuming it was just a foolish public
buying into the PR machine. But few will doubt it after this.
Here is a young side which has given up a lead late on –
something which would crush most sides – and held on.
Here is a young side which has recovered from not only that
disappointment, but the disappointment of missing a penalty, to
stand up and do its job. To win.
England have finally won a penalty shootout, and they may take
some beating.
The Three Lions will now face Sweden who qualified earlier in
the Quarterfinals.