FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Colombia vs England Preview
Colombia face England in the final round of 16 fixture in Spartak Stadium at 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday. The winner will play the winner of Sweden-Switzerland in the quarter finals on Saturday. Spain’s exit from the bracket means England and Colombia are two favorites to make the final. Nevertheless, neither nation will be overconfident knowing tough competition awaits at every stage.
Background
Colombia had a rough start to their campaign falling to Japan with 10 men in their opening match. Additionally, star player and top scorer from the 2014 tournament James Rodriguez continues to experience calf problems. Despite two crucial assists in their win over Poland, the talented midfielder could not complete more than 30 minutes in their final match against Senegal. Be that as it may, ‘Los Cafeteros’ are capable of greatness without Rodriguez and topped group H to prove it. Barcelona defender Yerry Mina chipped in with 2 headed goals and Juan Quintero has proven to be an able replacement for Rodriguez in midfield.
‘The Three Lions’ of England finished second behind Belgium in Group G but enter the knockout rounds as one of the most impressive sides in Russia. Team captain and current tournament top scorer Harry Kane will be hoping to lead this new generation to its first knockout win in a decade. Coach Gareth Southgate will be pleased to have Dele Alli back in the squad after a minor thigh injury. Alli and Kane will seek to recreate the attacking form that saw the English score 8 goals in group competition. Undoubtedly, the Tottenham duo is key to Southgate’s plan and face their toughest test yet against Jose Pekerman’s disciplined side.
Predicted Lineups
Colombia: David Ospina; Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica; Carlos Sanchez, Mateus Uribe; Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, Luis Muriel; Falcao
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane
Prediction
“Footballs coming home” is the chant among English fans as Southgate’s side has made the nation dream again. “The lads have got the chance to write their own stories.” said the English coach. Contrary to previous tournaments, fans believe their young English team can indeed bring football home. Whereas England have never lost to Colombia, its the South Americans who have enjoyed more success recently. For example, scoring in every World Cup match since 1998 when they were shut out by England ironically. Currently making their third consecutive appearance in the knockout rounds, Pekerman’s side were also one of the best teams four years ago in Brazil. As a result, predicting a winner for this knockout round is complicated. Expect at least one Colombian goal from a set piece, a fierce midfield battle and an English win on penalties.
Colombia 2 – 2 England AET (England win on penalties)
