Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
England WIN on penalties
England comes to standstill as fans watches dramatic victory
HAVING been put through the ringer yet again, England supporters were almost as tired as the players. Then the exhaustion turned to delight.
Their fans are now dreaming of being victorious in the Winner Takes It All match against Sweden – the home of pop band Abba.
There were amazing scenes in Britain and Russia as the party went on into the early hours.
Over 2,000 fans refused to leave the stadium in Moscow, bellowing songs as stewards tried to get them to leave after the final whistle.
Eventually they headed off to party into the night after the nailbiting penalty shootout.
Chris Stephens, 61, from Brighton, East Sussex said: “What a game and what a way to end our penalty hoodoo.
“Just brilliant and our support was magnificent throughout.”
In emotional scenes the England team applauded fans in the ground who outsang the Colombians despite being vastly outnumbered.
Around the stadium fans bellowed “football’s coming home” as they queued for the metro back to the city centre.
CHEATING
It was another glorious night for the Dad’s Army – the name the fans have been given because they are much older than England’s travelling support usually is.
Robert Edwards, 55, from Enfield, North London, said: “The win was all the sweeter because of the cheating antics of the Colombians.”
Flags from Fleetwood Town, Rochdale, Stoke City and Bury St Edmunds adorned the walls of Red Square into the early hours.
Dave Long, 54, from Southampton, Hants, ruptured his Achilles tendon three weeks ago. But nothing was going to stop him getting to this England game.
He and fellow Southampton fans Warwick Newson, 58, and Robert Knowlton, also 58, flew to Russia even though they didn’t have tickets. They each paid £750 for a ticket for the big game.
“I wasn’t going to miss this for anything,” said Dave.
“And it’s been worth it. What a night – one to live long in the memory. The pain was excruciating when I ruptured it in a charity football match. I’ve been on crutches ever since. The people in Russia have been absolutely brilliant.
“And this sensational result has made it all worthwhile.”
Brothers Josh, 25, and Sam Keates, 30, in Moscow with Sam’s father-in-law Paul Robinson, 49, prepared to party with the Russians in Red Square as the Three Lions marched through to the last 16.
“What a night,” said Sam, a civil servant of Swindon, Wilts.
“I think we could go all the way to the final now.
“I always thought Colombia was going to be the toughest game. Gareth’s gamble against Belgium has really paid off.
“It was a big call but I am glad he has made it now.” Josh, a Chelsea fan, added: “I think getting through to the quarter finals is a real achievement for this team. You can look back on the tournament and say it has been a success.”
Danny Robertson, 65, from Tilbury, Essex: “That was just unbelievable – we were completely outnumbered but managed to outsing the Colombian support.”
Rufus Hall, 20, an Oxford business student, flew into Istanbul on a £150 flight, spent the night sleeping in a hotel reception area there – and still got to Russia with time to spare. “We will not know how good they can be,” he said. “They are all young and you can tell they love playing for England. They are the future for us now.”
His friend Sam Pougatch, 20, son of ITV sports host Mark Pougatch, added: “They have put pride back in the national team.” Miles
Rudham, 51, of Cobham, Surrey, and Dex Marshall, 58, from Shanghai, China, were dressed as Knights of the Round Table.
They got last-minute tickets , and were “tiny dots of red and white” in the bright yellow of the Colombia section.
After the game Dex said: “Nothing can stop us now.” Some 2,200 people had piled on to Brighton beach to watch the England match on the big screen. The crowd roared and threw drinks in the air when England scored their first goal.
Fans fell to the floor with their heads in their hands when Colombia equalised late on.
Katie Johnson, 26, who travelled from Brixton, South London, to watch the match on Brighton beach with friends, said: “We were devastated when Colombia scored.
“My heart was pounding, then the screen went out.
“We were considering scaling the fence to get to the nearest pub but it came back on so we were rewarded for our patience.
“When they scored the final penalty to win it felt amazing.
“All I can think now is ‘It’s coming home.”’
The highs and lows of the game had fans gripped across England as pubs and clubs were packed and roads were empty.
Rap star Stormzy, 24, was among the many supporters watching overseas. He reacted with joy in San Antonio, Ibiza, alongside pals as Kane put England into the lead.
The nerves just kept jangling but, somehow, England roared home.