England right back Kieran Trippier gave England the perfect start in his team's World Cup showdown against Croatia. Delli Alli won a free kick in a central position in the 4th minute and the Spurs defender duly stepped up, curling a magnificent shot past Subasic:
Take a look:
Croatia 0-1 England - England take the lead after just five minutes as Kieran Trippier scores his first ever international goal. #rtesoccer #worldcup #CRO #ENG pic.twitter.com/PpFHB1SE0E
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 11, 2018
Now I'm no die-hard Spurs fan, but has Trippier ever scored a free kick for Tottenham? It seems like I'm not the only one confused by the former Burnley man's free kick prowess:
When Trippier steps up and scores a sumptuous free kick in the semifinal of the World Cup#CROENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/lSC8xveEuP
— Mbaka Ogonnaya (@Mbaka_Ogonnaya) July 11, 2018
Has Trippier ever taken a free kick for Spurs?!
— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) July 11, 2018
Kieran Trippier has just scored in a World Cup semifinal. Kieran. Trippier.
— Cartilage Free Captain (@cartilagefree) July 11, 2018
Kieran Trippier is the first Englishman to score in a World Cup semi final and still cut his own hair. Humble.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 11, 2018
This view of Trippier’s goal from the stands is amazing ?? pic.twitter.com/Bg2GiVSIFN
— True Soccer Life (@TrueSccrLife) July 11, 2018
Images of Trippier's free kick has sent England fans into raptures as they look to reach their first World Cup final since they won the competition in 1966:
London, how we feeling after that Trippier goal? #CROENG pic.twitter.com/zvEfqcHNKr
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 11, 2018
This was the moment at Castlefield Bowl when Kieran Trippier put England 1-0 up. Scenes pic.twitter.com/E9mUEL1lkm
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) July 11, 2018
SCENES!
England's fans celebrate Kieran Trippier’s stunning free-kick. pic.twitter.com/Ef6ZKO9Vf7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 11, 2018
Kieran Trippier becomes the first player to score directly from a free kick since David Beckham in 2006.
Football creeps ever closer home...