Soccer, WC 2018: Colombia vs. England official in-game thread.
In what will be a repeat of their France ‘98 group stage match twenty years ago - when David Beckham helped the English to a 2-0 win - England take on Colombia once again, this time in the final World Cup (WC) last-16 match of the round.
Following wins against Tunisia (2-1) and Panama (6-1), England come into this match on the back of a narrow 1-0 loss to Belgium. This won’t provide Colombia with much insight however, as England manager Gareth Southgate made wholesale changes - perhaps controversially with a view to finishing second rather than first in their group. As a result, England’s starting XI will now be fully rested and injury-free.
Colombia meanwhile, had to win their final group match to ensure qualification to the last-16. After a battling display against a dangerous Senegal side, they won 1-0 thanks to a 74th minute header by centre-back Yerry Mina. Victory sent them top of their group, which after losing their opener 2-1 to Japan - was a superb achievement. Their star man, James Rodríguez, went off injured after just 30 minutes however, and he remains a doubt for this clash.
Ahead of this game, both teams have the same record in Russia so far (W2, L1), but when looking at their last ten matches (in all competitions), England have a record of: W6, D3, L1, and Colombia: W4, D3, L3.
The winner of this game will play the winner of the Sweden v Switzerland game.
Players to watch: Harry Kane has already scored five goals this WC, and will return to the side fresh and hungry for more.
With James Rodríguez a doubt, Colombia will entrust their captain, Radamel Falcao, to provide a goal threat against the English.
Stat attack: Colombia have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches (in all competitions).
H2H: England won both previous meetings; 2-0 at France ‘98 and 3-2 in a friendly back in 2005.
Four of England’s last six matches (in all competitions) have seen both sides score (BTTS).
Following wins against Tunisia (2-1) and Panama (6-1), England come into this match on the back of a narrow 1-0 loss to Belgium. This won’t provide Colombia with much insight however, as England manager Gareth Southgate made wholesale changes - perhaps controversially with a view to finishing second rather than first in their group. As a result, England’s starting XI will now be fully rested and injury-free.
Colombia meanwhile, had to win their final group match to ensure qualification to the last-16. After a battling display against a dangerous Senegal side, they won 1-0 thanks to a 74th minute header by centre-back Yerry Mina. Victory sent them top of their group, which after losing their opener 2-1 to Japan - was a superb achievement. Their star man, James Rodríguez, went off injured after just 30 minutes however, and he remains a doubt for this clash.
Ahead of this game, both teams have the same record in Russia so far (W2, L1), but when looking at their last ten matches (in all competitions), England have a record of: W6, D3, L1, and Colombia: W4, D3, L3.
The winner of this game will play the winner of the Sweden v Switzerland game.
Players to watch: Harry Kane has already scored five goals this WC, and will return to the side fresh and hungry for more.
With James Rodríguez a doubt, Colombia will entrust their captain, Radamel Falcao, to provide a goal threat against the English.
Stat attack: Colombia have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches (in all competitions).
H2H: England won both previous meetings; 2-0 at France ‘98 and 3-2 in a friendly back in 2005.
Four of England’s last six matches (in all competitions) have seen both sides score (BTTS).
