CROATIA 2 ENGLAND 1 (Moscow)
A stunning extra-time goal by Mario Mandzukic will see Croatia as the smallest nation to feature in a FIFA World Cup final after eliminating England 2-1.
Seconds after the initial whistle, England demonstrated their ability to overpower Croatia, racing towards the opposition box to create their first of many threatening opportunities. In the 5th minute, Jesse Lingard burst into life from the right, reaching Dele Alli, who was quickly fouled by Luka Modric to award England a free kick from a dangerous position. Kieran Trippier approached the ball, and fired it over the wall, into the top right corner for the early 1-0 lead.
The goal weakened the Croatian side, allowing England to retain possession and control the tempo of the first half. After the break, however, Croatia returned rejuvenated, attacking the English defenders immediately. In the 68th minute, Šime Vrsaljko curled a pass into the far post, finding Ivan Perisic, who slid the ball into the net to get the equalizer.
After 95 minutes of play, the match went into extra time. Croatia entered the 30 minutes with a passionate drive inspired by the equalizer, enabling a strong offensive start. England easily surrendered to Croatia’s fast pace and possession, falling into a defensive posture.
In the 114th minute, England failed to clear a high ball, allowing Perisic to meet Mandzukic, who fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom right corner to secure Croatia a spot in the World Cup final.
