Pickford stars in PK victory

MOSCOW — The research paid off for Jordan Pickford. When Carlos Bacca stepped up to take Colombia’s fifth and final penalty, Pickford knew he was likely to shoot to the left. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, in just his seventh England appearance, trusted his research and leaped. Research wasn’t enough on its own — he also needed lightning reactions to shoot his left arm up to paw away Bacca’s high shot. The save gave England’s Eric Dier a chance to win the shootout, and he converted. England moves on 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. “I did a whole bunch of research,” Pickford said, his confidence sky-high. “Falcao is the only one who didn’t go his way. I don’t care if I’m not the biggest keeper in the world. I have the power and agility.” Pickford was just two years old when England last won a penalty shootout, a few days older when the now-England coach Gareth Southgate missed the deciding penalty in a European Championship semifinal loss to Germany. That defeat at home was treated almost as a national trauma, as was the penalty loss to Argentina two years later. Pickford only emerged as a leading Premier League keeper last year and made his debut for England in November. But he has rapidly become part of Gareth Southgate’s new generation of English talent. On an evening that ended with such frenetic energy, Pickford had little to do earlier. Colombia was on the defensive for most of the first half and lacked bite in attack. England took the lead on a Harry Kane penalty in the 57th and Colombia came charging back. In stoppage time Mateus Uribe fired a stinging shot from long range and Pickford leaped to keep it out with one outstretched hand, sending it wide of the goal and cannoning into the advertising boards. Pickford could do nothing about the subsequent corner. Colombia defender Yerry Mina rose above Harry Maguire and headed the ball off the turf and in despite Kieran Trippier’s headed clearance attempt. Extra time and penalties loomed, and fans felt the weight of those 22 years without a shootout win.