Mexico finally got through to a Game 5 effectively, and at home to England there was an intensity in the build up that no one had seen for some time. I understand their record at the stadium has been close to perfect in this century.
The game was delayed by an hour so England fans having to stay up until the 2am kick off was brutal and even worse for me I had a 6am flight to Bulgaria so we set off to arrive at.the airport for kick off time.
Then what a game.
England scored twice in 98 seconds in the second quarter
(thats what many of us are now calling it) but of course typical England couldnt hold on until half time and Mexico pulled one back.Second half and out comes all the FIFA corruption allegations again as a red card.for England looks like turning the game. Another one where he got the ball but made contact with opponent — it can go either way.
But England, wow they went and scored again with 10 men another penalty makes it 3—1 before Mexico got a more dubious spot kick to get back to 3—2. I think there was only 20 minutes on the clock and England had to hold on against a barrage of Mexico might to go through to the quarter finals and we could get our flight on time. It felt like 2 hours.
So the Quarter Finals are
France v Morocco
Portugal or Spain v USA or Belgium (that all plays out tonight)
England v Norway (after Norway put Brazil out)
Argentina or Egypt vs. Switzerland or Colombia
And one more thing. Our red card, Jarell Quansah. There won't be any campaigns to let him play. Even if it was Kane or Bellingham we would just have to get on with it and pick someone else.
Good luck tonight Team USA, with the time difference here in Bulgaria I am now 10 hours ahead of the West coast so its 3am kick off for me.....