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Giving their proximity to the playground, it is perhaps a surprise that it does not happen more often. But when a World Cup photographer found himself at the bottom of a Croatian stack during the World Cup semi-final against England, he approached the action more than he could have imagined
. Behind his camera, Yuri Cortez, Agence France-Presse's snapper, got into action after Mario Mandžukić scored the decisive goal in overtime.
Photographer Yuri Cortez is getting closer to celebrations with Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic. Photography: Yuri Cortez / AFP / Getty Images
After being imposed on the head of Ivan Perišić, the Juventus striker devoted the ball to Jordan Pickford in the English goal before celebrating the victory. But as more and more teammates arrived to join the euphoric moment, they tumbled en mbade in front of the billboards next to which Cortez was parked.
Mandzukic offers a helping hand to AFP photographer Yuri Cortez. Photography: Yuri Cortez / AFP / Getty Images
He disappeared under a pile of blue-clothed bodies and became pinned as the celebrations continued, before finally appearing unharmed. Several Croatian players appeared worried for his safety and once his well-being was established, defender Domagoj Vida planted a kiss on his forehead before returning to the field.
Yuri Cortez gets back on his feet. Photography: Carl Recine / Reuters
Cortez did not forget the reason he was there, and despite the distraction, he continued to take some of the most candid photographs seen at the tournament in Russia
The photographer of AFP Yuri Cortez is recovering well. Photography: Carl Recine / Reuters
Croatia maintained its lead for the remaining 11 minutes and will now play France in Sunday's final while England will find itself licking its wounds and will consider a third place against Belgium on Saturday
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