Colombia’s petulance and ill-discipline cost them against England
Colombia’s World Cup dream came to a cruel end as they lost on penalties to England in the round of 16.
Masses of South American fans were in tears at the final whistle, enshrouding the Three Lions’ elation – hardly noticeable in a Colombian-dominated Spartak Stadium.
Spot kicks are always the most brutal way to crash out of a tournament – England know all too well – however in Colombia’s case, they only really had themselves to blame.
Jose Pekerman’s men were far too focused on descending the game into chaos rather than playing the attractive football they have done throughout the tournament.
Temperatures rose
Unfortunately American referee Mark Geiger far from had control of the game, and the Colombians were allowed to waste his time, break the flow with niggly fouls and try to frustrate England at every given opportunity.
If the Three Lions had been dragged to their level of ill-temperedness, it would have suited Colombia and they might have gone on to win.
But, perhaps the better option for Colombia was to produce the style of play worthy of getting them to this stage.
Fans witnessed glimpses of their best, especially towards the end. Even without James Rodriguez Colombia have the ability to hurt opposition defence, however it seemed without the talismanic midfielder they had no real direction.
His absence caused them to opt for a strategy unknown to England.
But the Three Lions, despite their youth, did well to avoid the heat of the encounter.
Needless moments from Jordan Henderson and Ashley Young, both of whom tried to give Colombia a taste of their own medicine, suggested England had also lost control.
However their euphoria at the end of the penalty shoot-out was deserved. It made the feeling even sweeter for Gareth Southgate, because of the trouble Colombia tried to cause beforehand.
Mind games never paid off
Tampering with the penalty spot before Harry Kane’s 57th-minute spot kick, swarming the referee at any given opportunity and exaggerating reactions were all part of Colombia’s plan to mutate the match into a frenzy.
It ultimately cost them.
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The second half was plagued with their pre-meditated mind games, and had they triumphed it would have been a bitter way to end an optimistic English effort.
In the end, though, Colombia received just punishment for their petulant tactics. They will go home.