FIFA WC: Croatia reach final for first time, beat England 2-1
Moscow [Russia], July 12 (ANI): Croatia defeated England in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium by 2-1 in extra-time to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup final.
ANI
Jul 12, 2018 04:10 IST
Moscow [Russia], July 12 (ANI): Croatia defeated England in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium by 2-1 in extra-time to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup final.
All credit goes to prolific goalscorer Mario Mandzukic for scoring the goal in the second period of extra-time.
In the first five minutes of the game, Kieran Trippier gave England the lead with a fabulous free-kick.which somehow opened an account for the match.
Meanwhile, Croatia clawed their way back into the matchmaking their way to score one. They were playing well but lacked the final touch and confidence.
Somehow, Mandzukic was fast enough to react to Ivan Perišic's header and shot past Jordan Pickford that send Croatia into their first-ever World Cup final.
Following that, the game slowed down but fans remained unperturbed.
Within few minutes, the referee blew his whistle and England got into the break with a lead as Trippier's free-kick made clear path for their country.
Soon after the second half, Croatia was trying hard since long to score one soon while England were happy so sit back and defend.
To everyone's surprise, Perisic equalised the score with a wonderful header!
The game was nearing to end but neither of the team looked close to break the score.
Nearing half-time of extra-time, it seemed highly unlikely that England was though. When Mandzukic put Croatia in front and broke the spell.
Croatia will now lock horns with France in the World Cup final on July 15. (ANI)
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