Dier didn’t feel caught in headlights before big kick

England player savoured chance to end nation’s penalty kick ‘curse’ at big events

NIZHNY NOVGOROD The psychology behind penalty shootouts remains fascinating.

England midfielder Eric Dier, who converted the Three Lions’ fifth penalty Tuesday night against Colombia, says he didn’t know he’d attempt a spot kick until moments before the shootout.

“Obviously, with substitutions, the order can change,” Dier said, according to the Daily Mail.

“But after extra time (coach Gareth Southgate) just told me that I was No. 5. Until then I had no idea. While I was waiting it was nerve-racking, but once I walked up I was quite calm.”

Dier admitted England’s penalty kick “curse” was on his mind in that moment.

“An important moment for everybody in our country,” Dier added. “You know you are standing there and if we don’t get through from a game we played so well in, you know you will continue the history and mindset for teams to come.

“So it’s a huge moment for these players, but also the next generations to come as well.”

England entered this World Cup having lost on penalties at six major tournaments.

FEELING THE PAIN

Brazilian star Neymar has reportedly spent nearly 14 minutes on the ground at this World Cup.

After suffering 23 fouls here in Russia, the PSG striker has wasted more time than any other player at this tournament, Radio Television Suisse recently claimed in a damning report.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio criticized Neymar after he wasted nearly six minutes of their Round of 16 clash.

“I think this is a very negative example for the world and world of football and all the children following this game,” a sour Osorio said post-game.

A number of high-profile pundits and former players have rebuked Neymar’s tendency to embellish the slightest of touches.

MORE MARADONA

Argentine legend Diego Maradona has made more headlines at this World Cup than most teams.

It has reached the point, though, where FIFA had no choice but to comment on Maradona’s outlandish statements.

The former World Cup winner called England’s win over Colombia a “monumental theft” and accused American referee Mark Geiger of making a mess of the Round of 16 fixture.

This after the FIFA legend was caught smoking cigars in the stands before reportedly demanding to speak to Argentina’s players as they crumbled at this tournament.

On Thursday, FIFA “strongly rebuked” Maradona’s accusations, according to Fox Sports, calling them “entirely inappropriate and completely unfounded.”

“FIFA is extremely sorry to read such declarations from a player who has written the history of our game,” soccer’s governing body said in a statement.

A SUGGESTION

A columnist with the Guardian doesn’t care for penalties.

His suggestion: Widen the goals.

We’ve heard a similar argument in hockey, where goaltenders have ballooned to twice the size they once were. And while it’s undoubtedly more difficult to score than ever before, I can’t get behind something that fundamentally alters the sport, its history and record books.

The writer also suggests penalties are a “lottery.”

My response: If that’s the case, then why did the entire world once refer to England’s penalty woes as a “curse?”

If it doesn’t want games decided from the penalty spot, FIFA should allow more substitutions in extra time.

THIS AND THAT

Fifty per cent of this World Cup’s quarter-finalists have never won this tournament, meaning there’s a decent chance we could see a first-time World Cup winner. Odds haven’t been this good since 2002. What’s more, England and Uruguay haven’t claimed this crown in many, many decades. Raise your hand if you want to see anyone but Brazil win this tournament … FIFA has sanctioned the Croatian FA with a fine of US$92,500 for breaching the Media and Marketing Regulations, following the display of non-authorized beverage products by members of the Croatian national team … Uruguay has won its previous four meetings with European opponents … Brazil’s two goals in a 2-0 win over Mexico moved it in front of Germany for the highest scoring team in World Cup history (228 goals) … Croatia has played against the host nation in three of its previous five World Cup appearances … Sweden won back-to-back World Cup fixtures for the first time since 1958.

DID YOU HEAR?

Residents in Samara, Russia, are being advised to shower in pairs as an influx of World Cup fans have put a strain on the city’s water system, The Associated Press reports.

The city says it has provided 10 per cent more cold water than normal.