Every time I watch soccer, I hear the voice-over from an episode of The Simpsons: “Fast kicking. Low scoring. And ties? YOU BETCHA.” But the games have been so sincerely good and full of drama. Russia upset Spain in penalty kicks! Japan gave up a 2-0 lead to Belgium and lost in stoppage time! Croatia and Denmark went to PKs and their goalies actually saved a bunch of them! Sweden beat Switzerland in a game I kind of forgot happened but which also was fine! France booted Argentina! Uruguay knocked out Portugal! And ENGLAND FINALLY WON A SHOOTOUT OH MY GOD IT’S REAL!
I remember so keenly all the examples of England failures that they showed leading up to the first strike, and I did NOT think Pickford was going to save any, but I think the goalpost that knocked one of them aside gave him some courage for the big one. I don’t know. AAAH. There was a LOT of running and screaming in my house. Even Prince William took to Twitter, in what I believe is a first:
I couldn’t be prouder of @england – a victory in a penalty shootout! You have well and truly earned your place in the final eight of the #worldcup and you should know the whole country is right behind you for Saturday! Come on England! W
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 3, 2018
You know the sportsfaces in Apartment 1A were AMAZING. Teach little Louis well, y’all.
