MOSCOW, July 3-- England won their first penalty shootout in World Cup history as they beat Colombia 4-3 to reach the quarterfinals at Spartak Stadium here on Tuesday. They will face Sweden in the quarterfinals on July 7 in Samara, and winners of that match are going to play either Russia or Croatia on July 11. Substitute Eric Dier scored the winning penalty for England, after Colombia's fourth penalty kick hit the crossbar and fifth one palmed away by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while England's third one was saved by Colombia's David Ospina. Colombia's star player and the Golden Boot winner at the 2017 World Cup James Rodriguez was kept on the bench throughout the match due to an injury. Tuesday's match marked the sixth clash between Colombia and England, with England victorious in three previous ones and tying with Colombia in two. England coach Gareth Southgate fielded the same starting lineup as the side's opener against Tunisia in the group phase, playing a 3-5-2 formation. England launched fast attacks and created a few threats through some early set pieces which were largely blocked by the Colombian side. The first real chance for England came in the 16th minute, when captain Harry Kane, receiving a Kieran Trippier cross from the right, headed towards a half-empty net, but the ball went over the bar. Meanwhile, Colombia's attempts to launch counter attacks were also in vain in front of England's defense. |