DESPITE starting well and leading with an early goal in the first half, England finished with disappointment losing 1-2 against Croatia in a semifinal match they should have won. The BBC called it a heartbreaking game.
Now the final is set for France and Croatia in a game viewed as a repeat of an encounter that took place 20 years ago in world cup semifinals that Croatia lost 1-2. In this year’s world cup finals, Croatia and France beat Argentina in group stages and in round of 16, humiliating and sending home at early stage one of the tournament’s giants formerly tipped among favourites.
As it was, England played better in the first half and looked poised for the first world cup final since 1966 until Croatia snatched an equaliser through Perisic in the 68th minute to send the match into extra time. After Croatia’s equaliser, England lost the ball and were completely outplayed to the end of the match.
Kieran Trippier scored England’s goal in the 5th minute in their first semifinal since losing to West Germany on penalties in 1990. Mario Mandzukic‘s goal in the 109th minute ended England’s hopes for the final and the trophy. They will play for the third place against Begium on Saturday.
