England finally won a penalty shootout at the World Cup to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006, while Sweden’s stingy defending led to another big victory in Russia.
Here are three winners and three losers on Day 19 at the 2018 World Cup.
WINNERS
England penalty takers
England’s disappointing record in penalty shootouts has been well-publicized. They were the only country at the World Cup to participate in at least three shootouts without a single win.
That is, until Tuesday in Moscow.
England edged Colombia 4-3 in the shootout, sending the Three Lions to their first World Cup quarter-final since 2006. Jordan Henderson was the only English player to fail from the spot thanks to an outstanding save from David Ospina in the third round.
Where all England squads failed in the past, this group of shooters were composed and emphatic in one of sport’s highest-pressure spots.
Coach Gareth Southgate, who missed a penalty at Euro 1996, has helped prepare this England side for these exact scenarios. It’s a testament to the strong mentality of this squad, because previous sides would’ve wilted after Colombia’s equalizer or Ospina stopping Henderson in the shootout. Not this one, though.
Yerry Mina
Yerry Mina didn’t play in Colombia’s opening match and they lost to Japan. Since returning to the side versus Poland, the centre-back scored in every game – all off set pieces – and each strike proved decisive.
Mina’s header in the 93rd minute temporarily saved Colombia’s World Cup. Unfortunately for him and Los Cafeteros, the comeback wasn’t completed, but his heroics have been massive.
The Barcelona defender also finished the World Cup with more goals than Lionel Messi (1), Mohamed Salah and the entire Germany squad.
It’s been a tumultuous year for Mina since arriving to Barcelona. He hasn’t earned a lot of playing time and has seemingly struggled to adapt. Maybe this World Cup can lead to a transfer that will rekindle his young career.
Sweden’s team defending
We witnessed another textbook Swedish display on Tuesday, as they frustrated Switzerland all game long with their compact defence and positioning.
While Switzerland nearly tripled Sweden in passes completed, the Swedish’s defensive shape prevented the Swiss midfielders and forwards from moving into any open pockets of space.
Switzerland was forced into a horizontal shape because while Sweden’s defence was tight, the midfield four was spread out. This enabled the Blagult to counter quickly on the wings, and kept the Swiss away from goal.
Sweden has now conceded just twice in their last six competitive games. That includes matches versus Italy, Germany and Mexico. Beware, England.
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LOSERS
Jose Pekerman
The strategy from Colombia coach Jose Pekerman was apparent.
Without the injured James Rodriguez, Pekerman opted for a more conservative 4-4-2 with midfielder Wilmar Barrios occasionally dropping into defence to form a back three or five, depending on the situation.
The system had some positives. England failed to score from open play and did not register a shot on target (off seven attempts) after Harry Kane’s goal.
However, Colombia wasn’t particularly effective, either. They struggled to generate dangerous counter-attacks, which was integral to the system working.
Once an energetic box-to-box midfielder in Mateus Uribe – who should’ve started – checked in, Colombia roamed forward more often and actually narrowed England’s shape, as seen below. That was due to Uribe (No. 15) driving forward when he recovered possession.
In 41 minutes, Uribe provided more vigour and balance in the midfield, which could’ve led to a potential victory for Colombia in 90 minutes had he started.
Pekerman’s tactics weren’t necessarily incorrect, but his team selection let him down. Just like the loss to Japan.
Mark Geiger
If it wasn’t for the drama of England’s victory in the penalty shootout, referee Mark Geiger would’ve been an even bigger talking point.
He does not deserve blame for Wilmar Barrios’s headbutt on Jordan Henderson because he didn’t see it. Any criticism should be directed at the video assistant referees.
However, Geiger quickly lost control of the match. He handed out eight yellow cards, six to Colombian players and the first one wasn’t brandished until the 41st minute.
One way to eradicate anger and rash challenges is to book players earlier in the match. They will be more cautious and they’ll have an understanding for what a referee considers to be an infraction or not.
It’s very difficult to be a referee, what with several players screaming obscenities right in your face and the pressure of officiating at the World Cup. However, Geiger didn’t help himself by keeping the cards in his pocket until the end of the first half.
Switzerland attack
Despite winning the possession in all of their World Cup matches (except Brazil), Switzerland couldn’t profit on Tuesday.
They weren’t aided by their strikers. None of Josip Drmic, Haris Seferovic or Breel Embolo are particularly clinical scorers. Part of that is down to the system where the forwards are asked to contribute to all facets of play.
However, the distribution in the final third wasn’t very helpful.
Long or aerial passes is exactly what Sweden wanted from Switzerland. That, coupled with the lack of incisive movement in the final third ultimately led to the elimination.
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