Event of the Day: Colombia versus England
Our event of the day is the FIFA World Cup last 16 match between Colombia and England at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. With Spain and Argentina the most recent nations to crash out of the tournament, both sides chances of making the final seem to be increasing by the day. England started their World Cup campaign in convincing fashion. An injury time winner against Tunisia was followed by a record-breaking demolition of Panama. However, they were somewhat disappointing against Belgium as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat. Star striker Harry Kane was one of a number of regular first team players rested for the Belgium match. The Tottenham man is the tournament’s leading scorer with 5 goals from just 5 shots on target. Colombia will need to keep Kane quiet in order to stand any chance of progressing.
Colombia meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of talisman James Rodríguez. The 2014 Golden Boot winner was forced off after half an hour during their win over Senegal. The Real Madrid man was influential in Colombia’s best ever World Cup finish four years ago. However, a calf problem could prevent him from featuring. Without Rodríguez, Colombia will rely on the attacking talents of Juan Cuadrado, Radamel Falcao and Juan Quintero. The latter has really caught the eye with his sublime vision and ability to pick a pass. England cannot afford to gift Quintero the time and space they allowed Belgium’s midfield. Colombia have won just one World Cup knock out match in their entire history. England meanwhile haven’t won a knock out match at a major tournament for twelve years. With giants of world football tumbling out of the tournament on a daily basis, both sides will look to improve their record in knock out football. There won’t be a better opportunity to make a World Cup final. A fascinating fixture awaits.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the opening match of India’s three-match T20 series against England, with the first clash at Old Trafford. India recorded the second biggest victory in T20 history against Ireland on Friday. They will look to continue this form against an England side fresh from a Jos Butler inspired win against Australia. Butler recorded the fastest T20 half century by an Englishman in their Edgbaston triumph. There’s more T20 cricket in Harare, as Zimbabwe take on Australia in the 3rd match of Tri-Nation T20 Series. In the earlier kick off at the World Cup, Sweden and Switzerland face off in St. Petersburg. Away from international football, the Houston Dynamo play the Los Angeles Football Club in MLS action at the BBVA Compass Stadium. Elsewhere in the United States, the series between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves in MLB continues at the Yankees stadium. Day two of Wimbledon gets underway at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, with world number one Rafael Nadal in action against Dudi Sela.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by FIFA World Cup