FIFA World Cup: England are coming home as Croatia reach their first ever final – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

FIFA World Cup: England are coming home as Croatia reach their first ever final




image

England’s FIFA World Cup dream has been ended this evening after Croatia beat them 2-1 after extra time.

In a year were English fans hoped the World Cup would be ‘coming home’, it was Croatia who took the spoils and book their place in Sunday’s final against France.

England who can be proud of their achievements in a tournament that provided a number of shocks, were in dreamland in the 5th minute when Kirean Trippier put them ahead with a superb free-kick on the edge of the box.

Gareth Southgate’s men who will look back and what if could have and probably should have themselves further ahead, but they failed to capitalise on a poor Croatian side who looked a shadow of themselves.

The second half proved to be much different and Croatia upped their game and dominated possession for much of the half and they were rewarded on the 68th minute when Perisic turned home from a cross from the right hand side.

Croatia who had their tails up were unlucky not to be ahead when Perisic hit the post less than five minutes later.

Although both sides pushed for a winner in the 90 minutes, niether side could score the crucial goal with extra time looming.

England started the first half of extra time brightly and they looked a threat especially with substitute Rose bombing down the left.

They however couldn’t find the breakthrough and their dream was all but over when Mandzukic scored the winner in the 18th minute of extra time after latching on from a knock on whilst the English defence were sleeping.

Croatia now go on to face France on Sunday, whilst England will play Belgium on Saturday in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

Share this story

Tell us what you think on our Facebook page