World Cup’s 101 Most Memorable Moments: England survive spot kick struggles

By Doug McIntyre
FOX Sports Soccer Writer

Editor’s note: Each day between now and the kickoff of the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Nov. 20, we’ll unveil a different memory from World Cup history. The countdown from 101 continues with England’s nail-biter vs. Colombia in 2018.

The Three Lions’ checkered history in penalty shootouts was well documented by the time England and Colombia’s round of 16 match in 2018 went to spot kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time. 

Three times before England had gone to the tiebreaker at a World Cup. Three times they had lost. Add in their 1-4 all-time shootout record at the European Championship, and there was a palpable sinking feeling among supporters of Gareth Southgate’s team that they knew full well which way this one was headed, too. 

Those fears seemed justified when England’s third taker, Jordan Henderson, had his low effort stopped by Los Cafeteros keeper David Ospina. Now holding a 3-2 advantage, it was possible that Colombia wouldn’t even have to use their fifth kicker to break Three Lions supporters hearts once again. Mateus Uribe duly beat Jordan Pickford from 12 yards — but not the crossbar.

So when Carlos Bacca stepped up after Kieran Trippier had converted to keep England in it, the pressure had swung the other way. Pickford clawed away Bacca’s effort, giving Eric Dier the opportunity to end it. He did, and England could finally celebrate its first World Cup shootout triumph.

Dier ends England’s curse

Eric Dier helps England advance after putting in a penalty kick vs. Colombia in 2018.

One of the leading soccer journalists in North America, Doug McIntyre has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.