World Cup 2018: 8 players that decided the Round of 16

#1 Jordan Pickford (England)

English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford broke the curse for England in penalty-shootouts

The 24-year-old goalkeeper Jordan Pickford caught the eye of top clubs in England with fantastic performances for English club Sunderland in the 2016-17 season following which he signed for Everton in a 30 million pound move in the 2017 summer transfer window.

The youngster faced fierce competition from experienced Joe Hart and impressive Jack Butland but earned the trust of manager Gareth Southgate for the starting spot for the Three Lions.

England underwent a comfortable run to the knockout rounds of the World Cup by winning their first 2 games and sealing their spot in the Round of 16.

They faced Colombia in the Round of 16 and avoided a scare in the early stages of the tournament as the match went on to penalty-shootouts with neither side able to find the elusive winner after 120 minutes of gruelling football.

It was an opportunity for Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina and English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to turn champion for their respective nation.

Jordan Pickford ended victor as he silenced his critics by valiantly saving Colombia's final two penalty shots. The Englishmen broke the curse of his nation in penalty-shootouts who had lost their previous three in the competition.

England face Sweden next in the quarter-finals and will be clear favourites to reach the finals of the World Cup 2018. They will hope for a complete team effort in their future matches as every match will be a final going forward.

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