England dares to dream after the heroics of the World Cup in Belgium



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MOSCOW: England continues its first win in a knockout tournament for 12 years Tuesday against Colombia after the opening of the World Cup draw for the team's Harry Kane

In a tournament full of surprises, the young English team of Gareth Southgate is the only former champion in the running at the exit of Spain.

If England misses the tough South American team of Jose Pekerman in Moscow, they will play the winners of the other match last week between Sweden and Switzerland before half-time. final against Russia or Croatia.

Brazil and France find themselves in the first half of the table, but Argentina's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are eliminated.

Belgium, third in the standings, avoided qualifying for the tournament on Monday night, realizing one of the big returns of the World Cup to beat Japan 3-2 in the final seconds of extra time.

They became the first team to win a World Cup knockout match since West Germany defeated England 2-0 against England in November. 1970 to carry 3-2 after extra time.

Despite a growing sense of optimism about the chances of England in Russia, Southgate manager warns his team not to think too much.

England, who won the World Cup in 1966, has an appalling record in major tournaments and has not won a knockout match since she's beaten the ### Ecuador at the 2006 World Cup.

"I think we've been in this position before many times in the last few years," said Southgate.

"There is no point in thinking about what might happen after tomorrow's game, we are focusing on tomorrow's performance and maybe things are going to come up."

Southgate used England 's shock defeat against tiny Iceland in the round of 32 Euro 2016 as a warning not to get carried away.

England scored eight goals in its first two games, beating Tunisia 2-1 with a late Kane goal before beating Panama 6-1. They then lost 1-0 to Belgium as Southgate made some big changes.

Kane, the tournament's top scorer with five goals in two games, will desperately try to get back on the score sheet while he's chasing the Golden Boot.

Dele Alli is in great shape and could return to midfield after missing the last two games, but Colombian star James Rodriguez remains doubtful.

Bayern Munich midfielder suffered a calf problem in the first half of Colombia's 1-0 victory over Senegal, but Pekerman said the injury was not serious .

Radamel Falcao will represent an additional threat to the defense of England. The striker is back in top form in Monaco after two dismal years at Manchester United and Chelsea.

In the other match of the last day of the round of 32, Switzerland will meet Sweden in St. Petersburg, seeking to become the first Swiss team in 64 years to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup. world.

The Swedes are counting on their collective spirit to carry them out after playing their part by sending defending champion Germany, early to top Group F with victories over South Korea and Mexico.

Belgium set up a quarter-final against Brazil on Monday after Nacer Chadli took a late dramatic delay, with the match on the verge of going into overtime.

The goals of Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini canceled the efforts of Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui and, as time went on, Belgium sank, Chadli bowing at home.

"No negative today, it was a question of getting through," said Belgian coach Roberto Martinez. "It's a day to be very proud of these players and continue to believe in Belgium."

Brazil qualified for the quarter-finals as goals from Neymar and substitute Roberto Firmino gave them a 2-0 win over Mexico.

Neymar was criticized for his early performances in Russia as he returned to form after a fractured foot bone, but he returned to his best level as the five winners move up a gear.

The Brazilians are not yet at their best, but they have impressive firepower, with Neymar supported by Philippe Coutinho and Willian.

And, disturbingly, the Tite team has now scored three consecutive white sheets after their 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Loew is expected to remain in charge of the World Cup holders despite overseeing their disastrous performance in Russia, where they collapsed in the World Cup stage. group, according to reports Tuesday.

The German Football Association (DFB) has not yet confirmed the reports, but Loew has a contract until the 2022 World Cup and the DFB refused to sack him.

But Poland said its coach Adam Nawalka had resigned after being eliminated.

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