Croatia have defeated England 2-1 after extra time in the second semifinal of the 2018 Men’s World Cup, played on WED 11 JUL 2018. The result places Croatia into the final for the first time, where they will meet France.

England had a dream start in Moscow, going ahead in the fifth minute. A foul by Luka MODRIĆ set up a free kick just outside the area, which Kieran TRIPPIER placed beautifully into the top corner for the first goal of his international career. The Three Lions had a chance to extend their lead thirty minutes in, when Jesse LINGARD found Harry KANE at the near post. Kane’s initial shot and the rebound were both saved by goalkeeper Danijel SUBAŠIĆ, though the flag for offside came up.

The Blazers levelled the scores midway through the second half on a volley by Ivan PERIŠIĆ from Šime VRSALJKO. Four minutes later, Perišić struck the post, and neither side came any closer to a winner in the remainder of the half.

England very nearly went back in front in the ninth minute of extra time, but John STONES’s header was cleared off the line by Vrsaljko. Croatia, though, had the better of play in the extra time, and their performance paid off with Mario MANDŽUKIĆ’s perfectly placed shot in the 109th minute that was beyond the reach of England keeper Jordan PICKFORD. The Three Lions pressed forward desperately in the remaining minutes but were hampered by an injury to Trippier. Having used all their substitutions, England were reduced to ten players and could not find a way back into the match.

In the third place match in St Petersburg on SAT 14 JUL 2018, England meet Belgium for the second time in the tournament. Croatia, meanwhile, may remain in Moscow for the final against France the following day, as they hope to become the ninth nation ever to win the Men’s World Cup.