England takes on Croatia as both sides look to make history by reaching the World Cup final. Croatia will look to go one better than their 1998 side that mange to reach the semifinal of the competition while England, who are making their first appearance in the semifinals for the first time since 1990 will want to get to their first final since 1966.
The English looked more energetic and they took the game to Croatia from the blast of the whistle. Their early pressure paid off as they took the lead within the first five minute of the game. Croatia tried to get back in the game but England always looked like scoring in the counter attack. England went into the break with the 1-0 lead.
Croatia came out swinging in the second half, the eastern Europeans slowly grew into the game and they finally took control of proceedings in the their efforts paid off as they got their equalizer in the 68th minute through Perisic, they almost took the lead a few minutes later through Perisic but the ball struck the post.
However, both teams were unable to find it in them to get the winning goal within 90 minutes as the match head into penalties. The first half of extra time did not produce a goal as both teams struggle to break the deadlock. The second half of extra time began with both sides measuring each other, however, a slight drop in concentration by England saw Mandzukic take advantage and score the goal that took Croatia to the World Cup final.
Moments
5′ Pickford celebrates England’s early opener
22′ Kane misses the target but is ruled offside
65′ Perisic’s powerful strike hits walker in the stomach
68′ GOAL! Croatia 1-1 England (Ivan Perisic)
77′ Lingard misses a golden chance
81′ Walker howler pass almost gifts Croatia a goal
83′ Jordan Pickford denies Mario Mandzukic from long range
99′ John Stones header cleared by Vrsaljko on the goal line
107′ Pickford produces a super save to Mario Mandzukic
109′ GOAL! Croatia 2-1 England (Mandzukic)
