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Croatia will face France for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after beating England 2-1 in overtime at its semi-finals at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow Wednesday
Kieran Trippier's free kick in the fifth minute propelled the Three Lions to the forefront in the Russian capital, but Ivan Perisic equalized in the 68th minute to equalize and force the additional time. 19659004] Perisic also played a role in the arrival of Mario Mandzukic for Croatia in the 109th minute, completing their comeback to score their first appearance in the World Cup final.
Zlatko Dalic's men will return to Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday to face France, who achieved a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday with a goal from Samuel Umtiti.
The Knack of Croatia for defeating Mbappe in France
Doing things with ease has never been an option for Croatia, especially because There was no easy road for a nation with a population But it is fair to say that they take the hardest route, having followed two consecutive penalty shoot-outs against Denmark and Russia coming from behind for
The boxing commentator Paulie Malignaggi had 44 fights as a professional, but he even hailed the spirit of the warrior shown by Croatia – that immaterial thing that France can not necessarily fight:
Paul Malignaggi @ PaulMalignaggi
This Croatian team has never resigned. Tons of character. It was time to dig deep for #ENG now # WorldCupRussia2018
There was 63 minutes between Trippier's free kick, which pushed the Three Lions into an early lead, and Perisic's equalizer on a cross of Sime Vrsaljko, the writing was on the wall:
BBC 5 Live Sport @ 5liveSport
"It's been coming for 5-10 minutes"
@ chriswaddle93 and @bbcjohnmurray react as Perisic equalizes for Croatia in this semifinal #WorldCup …
#CRO 1-1 #ENG
?⚽ https://t.co/3DVSxgQ1lH
#WorldCup #bbcworldcup #ENGCRO https://t.co/J1H3vG79Am
France will demand even more from Croatia, as it sports an attack featuring superstars Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, but Croatia has already tamed individual stars in Russia, »
Even Croatia's second goal came out of nowhere – a misplaced clearance by a Perisic speculative head and devoured by predator Mandzukic via Fox Soccer (USA only): [19659012] FOX Soccer @ FOXSoccer
MANDZUKIC GIVES CROATIA LEAD! https://t.co/mz8WLlqiQm
C'was the third knockout game successively that the Dalic team conceded first – a tactic that maybe more teams should think about adapting in their future World Cup attempts.
In truth, however, even those who dropped out of the tournament at the expense of Croatia could hardly blame poor countries for their quest against all odds – at least, according to writer James Benge:
James Benge [19659010] @ jamesbenge
England goes out I'm honestly glad it's in Croatia. This group of players deserves something special, just like this bright and brilliant country. I hope the players will win (not just because they are my sweepstakes team).
Although their extra minutes and shots in Russia may seem a burden compared to the trajectory of France, since they finished all their matches in normal times, Croats seem to have been galvanized by having their backs against the wall.
Even leading Group D in front of Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria fought all the odds, even though their group race was much more comfortable. will be the favorites for their last clash against Croatia, but this is not a script that Dalic and company do not know. Pressure makes diamonds, and Croatia's gemstones were the brightest when tensions were highest.
England is experiencing family problems
This England team will stand out from previous editions of the team, regardless of their defeat, but there were parts of Wednesday's clash that echoed
The change of confidence was clear once Perisic got his equalizer. The pbades that were arriving for England no longer went to the feet, while Croatia, more familiar with adapting to their plight, grew up after reaching the level limits.
Suddenly, the 90 minutes ended with the Three Lions. a groan, which stands out from the proud pack that started the match with such a zip. Goal's Kris Voakes emphasized the pressure on Gareth Southgate to intervene:
Kris Voakes @ krisvoakes
England seems mentally exhausted. A great upcoming team discussion for Southgate, although we consider the minutes in the legs of Croatia. #CRO #ENG #CROENG #WorldCup
For many English, it was a first trip to the World Cup. Croatia may not have as many surnames among its 22 players, but their extra experience in such circumstances and a more familiar group reported their benefits.
By the time Mandzukic forced the winner into overtime, BBC Sport's Simon Stone noted late:
Even one thing as simple as Jordan Pickford's victory over Mandzukic for his first touch in the second half was unsettling. These slips can be attributed to a lack of stamina, nervousness, or both, but these are mistakes that can not be made.
England and Southgate have one advantage: there can be no ill will. , whereas the expectations were the lowest they had been in the decades. Roger Bennett of NBC chose to celebrate rather than mourn their release:
Roger Bennett @ Rogbennett
Valar Morghulis Young England. Shattering to watch your defeat. Always had the best month. Created memories that will never be forgotten. Of joy. D & # 39; wonder. And an ephemeral feeling, ultimately illusory, that anything is possible ????????
Journalist Harsha Bhogle looks forward to the next World Cup – Qatar 2022 – as a major opportunity for this promising group: [19659009] Harsha Bhogle @ bhogleharsha
Deception for England but they played better than they did for a long time. Young team of strong suitors for 2022.