England v Colombia: three things we learned

War of attrition justly backfires

Colombia had one hell of a game plan. Implemented subtly and blatantly by their coaches were: goading, head-butting, histrionics, intimidation of players and officials and time-wasting – of epic proportions.

When a penalty was given to Kane, Colombia even resorted to destroying the spot. At half-time, when a Los Cafeteros coach shoulder barged Sterling, then played the innocent with an inefficient official, I thought two things: firstly, they will have a man sent off post interval. And secondly: this is the weirdest game I have ever witnessed.

Be sure that Colombia intentionally honed those disgusting tactics this week at their training base. Yet it is furthermore an indictment of their low self-esteem. They actually have adept talent and had a chance to win the game – regardless of James Rodriguez – yet played devil’s advocate.

As an Englishman it pained me to see the violence and pathetic behaviour; it turned to joyous passion and disbelief when Dier won the match. FIFA should address the incidents in the match.

Sadly one or two England players lowered their own standards: but who can blame them against that bunch of mercenaries? Hopefully the Three Lions are not drawn into another fracas. Ultimately the war of attrition backfired: England’s Lions felt emboldened, rising to the challenge.

Escobar’s legacy

A possible explanation of the sheer ferocity of the objectionable Colombian strategy or aggression is indicative, sadly, of fear of potential violence. Football is often described as life-and-death. It is not. Yet in the desperately upsetting case of Andres Escobar, it was.

Escobar was an accomplished and well liked Colombian centre-half. Representing his country was a major part of his life; as stated by All Rise Films in their poignant documentary: The Two Escobars.

Unbelievably, after scoring an own goal which inevitable led to Colombia’s exit at the 1994 World Cup, on return home from USA, Escobar was shot to death. That came after threats to his life over his display for the country.

On the 24th anniversary of Escobar’s death, England defeat Colombia. Two players missed penalties: Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca. Those two individuals immediately received death threats on social media. I am not excusing their collective conduct on the evening. But let us hope that no harm comes to anyone over sport.

Worry for the players is the atmosphere. Escobar’s brother, Sachi, has a message for the proponents of unjustly hate:

"“These people are just lowlife[s] who are not real Colombian football fans.” – Sachi Escobar (Via: Daily Mirror)"