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Croatia's midfielder Ivan Rakitic (R) scores his penalty past Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during the 2018 World Cup quarterfinal football match between Russia and Croatia at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on July 7. – AFP SAMARA, RUSSIA – England reached their first World Cup semifinal since 1990 on Saturday, comfortably beating Sweden to set up a last-four clash against Croatia, who ended Russia's fairytale run
Gareth Southgate's young team started their match in Samara as a favorite and had too much for Swedes, although they were indebted to another fine performance by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in a 2-0 win. 19659003] But the next game in Sochi was packed with drama as Russia – the lowest-ranked nation in their own tournament – refused to die despite enjoying just 36% of possession against a superior Croatian team led by Luka Modric
Croatia thought they had won the match when Domagoj Vida rose to a corner in the first half of the day.
Goal refusing to let the dream come to an end, Mario Fernandes headed home from a free-kick with just five minutes remaining to infuse the home fans with renewed belief.
Russia, who beat Spain on penalties in the last 16, failed to convert two of their spot-kicks, leaving Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic with a win-win, 4-3 win.
"Another drama for us," said Modric. "We did not play well in the first half, we did not control the game we wanted."
"From the beginning of the second half we played much better, but unfortunately we could not finish the game. We showed the character again. "
Croatia, who last reached the seed in 1998, now faces the challenge of trying to recover in time to play
MAGUIRE, ALLI SCORE FOR ENGLAND
England's progress in the day of the day
Leicester defender Maguire in the opener from a corner on 30 minutes – England's eighth goal from a set -piece at the World Cup – with Alli adding a second, from a header, just before the hour.
Man-of-the-match Pickford made three outstanding saves to keep grown throughout the tournament.
"It's a great achievement for the team," said Alli.
"It's always nice to score, especially on occasions like this. It's an amazing feeling to be going to a semifinal at a World Cup. "
The tournament's leading goalscorer Harry Kane, the England captain said confidence was high after posting the country's best run at a major tournament since Euro '96
"We're buzzing. We know there is still a big game ahead, but we're feeling really good, "he said.
As England baskets in a long heat wave, live on a standstill for the match, with fans watching the game on big
The party begins with beer showers and songs of "Football's Coming Home" – England's unofficial football anthem written for the Euro '96 tournament.
Prince William, president of the Football Association, praised Southgate's men.
"You wanted to make history @England and you are doing just that," he tweeted. "This has been an incredible #WorldCup run and we've enjoyed every minute. You're in for this moment – Football's Coming Home! "
Even if Southgate's team reaches the final, William will not be waiting for the match because of Britain's diplomatic boycott of the World Cup in Russia over a nerve agent attack in England this year. [19659003] NEYMAR ANGUISH
Neymar has expressed his anguish after Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Belgium on Friday.
"I can say it is the saddest moment of my career, the bread is great because we knew we could get there, we know we had a chance to go far, to make history … But it was not at this time, "he wrote in an Instagram post.
The disappointment follows Brazil's humiliating 7-1 loss against Germany in the semi-finals years ago, when they hosted the tournament.
Next up for Roberto Martinez's Belgium is a mouthwatering semi-final against France on Tuesday in Saint Petersburg. France comfortably beat a Uruguay side shorn of the injured Edinson Cavani to back up their thrilling victory against Argentina in the previous round. – AFP
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