World Cup 2018: England boss Gareth Southgate consoles Colombia ace Mateus Uribe after midfielder misses crucial penalty
GARETH SOUTHGATE showed his class as he made his way over to console Colombia's Mateus Uribe, who missed a crucial penalty in England's shootout victory.
The Three Lions boss, who had his crucial spot kick saved at Euro 96, knew exactly what the midfielder was feeling.
And nice guy Southgate was quick to show pity for the losers on the night, even though his side made history by scoring their first EVER World Cup shootout win.
The 47-year-old and his opposite gaffer Jose Pekerman put an understanding arm around Uribe's shoulder, as the midfielder wiped away tears with his shirt.
That was despite the Colombians being accused of foul play throughout the match, with Wilmar Barrios lucky to stay on the pitch for an apparent headbutt on Jordan Henderson.
There were many little digs throughout the game on England players and brawls threatened to break out several times, but England rose above it, like their manager.
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Southgate's saved penalty at Wembley in a tense spot-kick exchange with Germany has gone down as one of the most heartbreaking moments in English football history.
But the Watford-born gaffer is going about making history of his own with class and dignity – and is winning admirers the world over.
Senior squad man Henderson headed over to console crocked Colombia attacker James Rodriguez as he sat on dejected on the bench.
The Three Lions midfielder spotted the dejected attacker as he sat slumped in the dugout, following the penalty shootout.
But the Liverpool midfielder showed the suitable quality as he gave the 26-year-old a pat on the cheek.
England's stars were, of course, over the moon after making World Cup history with their first win on penalties in the tournament.
Southgate screamed with delight, complete with waistcoat and his good luck wristband.
Asked about his 1996 penalty miss, Southgate said: "It will never be off my back sadly.
"That's something that will live with me forever.
"But today is a special moment for this team and it'll hopefully give belief to the generations of players that will follow because they can see what has happened.
"In life, we always have to believe in what is possible and not be hindered by history or the expectations.
"I think these young players are showing that.
"They're enjoying the tournament, and we're looking forward now to preparing for the quarter-final."
