Win lose, draw or win it seems England's duty to achieve the end result in blaze of glory, thrills and spills and unpredictability. Its that uncertainly that has been missing from our matches at major tournaments over the last decade. We've either been a little too good for mediocre opposition, or we have been smashed by teams clearly a million miles better than us. On Tuesday night England not only broke a much unwanted tradition when it comes to spot-kicks at World Cups, but they also did it with the style and nervous energy which we come to expect from the Three Lions in the knockout stages. The one black mark is that they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by actually bucking the trend and winning on penalties. To add to this drama it was England through Henderson (a bad boy on the night IMO) who missed the spot-kick at an important stage that opened the door for the Colombian's to seize control. To everyone's amazement they failed to do so and Pickford and Dier became unlikely English heroes. Leading up the penalties it looked like England might live up to their history of glorious failures. For this they must hang their heads in shame as National disgraces!
Pickford had as big a game on the night as any. One of the big question marks over England's chances of success at this World Cup is the goalkeeping position. It seems to some that Pickford was just the best of a avenge bunch. Experience is one thing you want from your keeper when it comes to the crunch. In truth, the Everton shotstopper had hardly been tested in the previous four matches, though there had been a couple of iffy moments. He didn't have too much to do on this night neither. But as with a striker less is often more. Everything Pickford was called to do he did with perfection. Firstly, a fantastic last grasp save turning a thunderous strike around the post in the 88th minute in what appeared at the time a match winning save. Jordan earned his English brownies points a moment later when Mina brilliantly headed home from the resulting corner to dramatically send the match into extra time. That's what we like to see Jordan knock it out for a corner to give Colombia just that final chance to put England through the ringer! Even I can't make jokes about his final penalty save. The one handed parmer as Pickford dramatically dived in the other direction fitted the tone of the night perfectly. This combined with the earlier save surely made him the man of the match on an eventful and fun night for the English team and national.
As for Colombia they are strange breed. I still maintain they are much better than we've seen at this tournament. For long spells they were outplayed by England without looking to be in too much danger of conceding a goal. It was only deep into the second half and the first half of extra time that they truly came to the party. It seems their big tactic of the tournament was a group resolve, a great spirit that kept them in matches long enough to snatch a goal from a quality set pieces (Mina's goal was his third in as many matches, impressive from a defender), or sharp counter attacks. There was a certain style to Colombia which at its best was easy on the eye, but we only saw this at its fullest against Poland (who were piss poor), and in flashes against England. Missing top creative and scorer James Rodriguez for most of their four matches was probably a big factor in Jose Pekerman's side struggle to catch fire. In fairness, on this night their tactics almost paid off. One black mark for England was Henderson's horrible diving responding to a gentle headbutt from a Colombia player, for which only Gary Neville had the nerve to pick him up about suggesting "he shouldn't have gone down". Fair's fair the Colombian player by the letter of the law should have received a red, but Henderson in return should have received a yellow for play acting. It is sometimes tempting to get so swept up in England's recent positive performances that we overlook such a thing. This aside, England were the better team for about 90% of the match and deserved the luck that ultimately came their way. There are still flaws in their game, but history was made on the night and this group has done enough to give the National a feel good bounce. Southgate having done a steady job of navigating the squad this far has surely done enough to secure his position long term. The test now is not to underestimate Sweden. They too are worthy of their place in the last eight. At this stage they look a much better team than Colombia without some of the stars. At this stage Southgate's gamble against Belgium is paying off. For those suggesting England can actually win this damn thing, I'd add a "Doh" and "maybe, but just whisper it".
The other two highlights of a very hit and miss last sixteen phase was Japan's fantastic effort in losing dramatically to Belgium who for much of the night looked unlikely contenders. It seems that the wise ex-German striker Klinnsman commenting in the BBC's studio about the progress made in Japanese football since 2002 was about to bare fruit in the second half. Japan who like Colombia didn't look too convincing when escaping the group, totally blew the Belgium's away taking the game by the scuff of the neck in a thrilling twenty minute masterclass. Inui's stunning second for Japan proved one of the most jaw dropping moments of the tournament so far. One of the best goals, and there's been a few belters, and a statement of intent, and true wake up call for Belgium that this golden generation of stars were about to collapse again. Credit where its due then, because manager Martinez (who I haven't always been the biggest fan of, and who I think could be a draw back for Belgium chances), responded sharply with pro-active substitutions. Fellaini once again nailed down why he should be playing from the start. The turn around to snatch the game from Japan was almost as breathtaking as Japan's one two punch in the first place. The result one of the best matches of the World Cup so far. A glorious failure for Japan who made an army of new fans, and a job just about done for Belgium who again will need to improve if they are going to over turn Brazil next time out. Argentina's luck finally ran out in their seven goal thriller against a much better French side. In truth, they once again looked a shambles and it was a sad end for Messi on this stage. But really they had it coming and the final score was a tad flattering for them. France finally started showing their teeth.
The story of the World Cup was surely reserved for the host Nation with an upset even greater than that of South Korea against the Germans due the importance of the game. It wasn't very pretty, but you can't really blame them against the Spanish. I think for Spain, this is truly it for their golden generation. I wouldn't put it past them in producing another, but they've outstayed their welcomes by at least one tournament, and there were some unforgivable mistakes in Russia, including changing the manager on the eve of the first ball being kicked. When enjoying their performance against Portugal on Match day 2 I must give myself a pat on the back in my prediction that they had peaked too soon. Another massive scalp at this World Cup means everyone else are winners! Looking at Croatia's awful performance in narrowing getting past Denmark will hardly the hosts shaking in their boots.
Quarter Finals Predictions
France 2-1 Uruguay
If the French can reproduced their performance against Argentina I think they will have enough to overcome Uruguay and go have a realistic chance of going all the way. However, Uruguay will be their toughest test so far, and have the combination of tough defending, sharp attacks and tactical smarts to overcome anyone on their day. This one could go either way. Which France shows up is the key I think.
Brazil 0-0 Belgium (Brazil to win 4-3 on Pens)
Just have sneaking feeling that this classic on paper might turn into a bit a bore. Both are more than capable of winning the World Cup, yet both still have big questions to answer. I've gone from Brazil from the start so won't be switching now.
Sweden 1-2 England
Having been a little on the negative side last time around I am going all out and being confident. Sweden have impressed me, and have a good tournament record against England. They have punche a little above their weight, but have looked effective in what they've done. It won't be easy, but its a fun pressure that England now expect to make at least the last four rather than it just being a dream. I think the momentum will carry on, though I wouldn't swear to it.
Russia 2-3 Croatia
My dark horses for the tournament will have to step up their game. Yes Russia are weaker than Denmark, but they have surprised many at this tournament and will go into this match without fear. I think in the end Croatia's quality maybe a little too much. But I think it could be close.
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