Match Review (RO16): England v. Colombia

England v Colombia
Score: 1-1 (4-3 pens)
Goals: Kane 57' (p), Mina 90+3'
Possession: 52-48
Shots: 16-14
Man of the match: Jordan Pickford (3S, PS)

In a very chippy and well-fought battle, England progressed on penalties against Colombia in Moscow. The match started off with England controlling much of the play. The first chance fell to the English due to the pressure when wing-back Kieran Trippier was able to get to the byline. He lifted in a perfect cross to the back post which met Harry Kane's head. Unfortunately, Kane didn't make clean contact and lifted it over the bar. The match continued on, and there were honestly probably more fights than chances in the first half. Though England controlled the play, there were next to no chances created because both sides seemed more interested in fighting each other than playing football. For instance, there was controversy in the first half when midfielder Barrios seemed to headbutt Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson. He was sent away with only a yellow, but it definitely could've had a different outcome with another referee. The second half started up, and England finally found their breakthrough. It came from a corner when Carlos Sanchez seemingly tackled Harry Kane, and American referee Mark Geiger immediately pointed to the spot. After a long VAR review, Kane stepped up and buried the penalty to give England the advantage. The match continued on and of course, continued to be a chippy affair. But Colombia started to gain some confidence as they pushed for an equalizer. They were gifted their first chance when Kyle Walker inexplicably turned the ball over and set the Colombians off on a 3v2 counter. They picked out Cuadrado who had a free hit on the right but blazed it over the bar. Colombia continued to push but couldn't find any chances until the stoppage. Their first chance came from substitute Mateus Uribe who had a shot from about 40 yards that was destined for the top corner but was somehow saved by a flailing Pickford. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for a replay as Colombia swung in the ensuing corner. And guess who popped up with a goal? Yerry Mina of course. The Barca man rose up and towered over the English and put his header past Pickford and Walker who was on the line. This sent the match into extra time.  In a match that looked destined for penalties, Colombia and England failed to disappoint as the match headed into pens after a hard-fought extra time period. England somehow, even with their past failings, came out on top of the shootout. Jordan Pickford was the hero making two saves and Tottenham man Eric Dier slotted in the final pen to make England fans keep believing that football is coming home.