England hopes to break the winless jinx in knockouts before the Colombian shock



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Moscow: England continues its first win in a knockout tournament for 12 years on Tuesday as it faces Colombia after the opening of the draw for the World Cup. World for Harry Kane's team.

In a tournament full of surprises, young England team Gareth Southgate is the only former champion to stay in the lower half of the table after the shock output of Spain.

If England misses the tough South American squad of Jose Pekerman in Moscow, she will play the winners of the other match between Sweden and Switzerland on Tuesday before a semi-final against Russia or Croatia. In the first half of the table, Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal came out.

Belgium, third in the standings, avoided qualifying for the last day of the World Cup, winning one of the big returns of the World Cup to beat Japan 3-2 in the final seconds additional 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.

England, who won the World Cup in 1966, has a horrendous record in major tournaments and has not won a knockout match. since they beat 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 surprise defeat against small Iceland in the round of 32 of Euro 2016.

England scored eight goals in its first two matches, beating Tunisia 2-1 with a late Kane goal. before beating Panama 6-1. They then lost 1-0 against Belgium while Southgate made 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

. Alli is in good form and could return to the midfield after missing the last two games, but the Colombian star James Rodriguez remains uncertain.

Bayern Munich midfielder limped with a calf problem during the first half. but Pekerman said the injury was not serious.

Radamel Falcao will represent another 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 meets Sweden in St. Petersburg, to become the first Swiss team in 64 years to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup .

The Swedes are counting on their collective spirit to carry out their task by sending Germany, defending champion, to the top of Group F with victories over South Korea and Mexico .

Belgium sets up Brazil draw

Belgium set up a quarter-final against Brazil on Monday after Nacer Chadli fell dramatically, the match being ready to extend .

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 while goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino gave them a 2-0 win over Mexico. Neymar was criticized for his early performances in Russia as he was getting back in shape after a fractured foot bone, but he returned to his best level as the five winners move up a gear.

They have an impressive firepower, with Neymar supported by Philippe Coutinho and Willian.

And, disturbingly, the Titus team has now recorded three consecutive white sheets after their 1-1 draw against Switzerland. ] [ad_2]
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