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World Cup 2018: Croatia vs England, World Cup semi-final live coverage from Luzhniki Stadium

Mario Mandzukic catches England defence napping in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 win in gripping World Cup semi-final.

17 min read
7:28AMJuly 12, 2018.
Updated 3:08PMJuly 12, 2018
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Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, celebrates after scoring the winning goal in his team’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Photo: AP
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, celebrates after scoring the winning goal in his team’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Photo: AP

Mario Mandzukic scored in the 109th minute as Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time and reach their first World Cup final, where they will face France.

England, appearing in their first semi-final since 1990, had looked on course for their first final since 1966 as they led through Kieran Trippier’s fifth-minute free kick and totally dominated the opening half.

Croatia, in their first semi since 1998, levelled through Ivan Perisic after 68 minutes and then looked the more dangerous side.

It stayed level at 90 minutes, meaning Croatia faced extra time for the third successive game, having got past Denmark and Russia on penalties.

But just when it looked as if they would become the first team to appear in three shootouts at a single World Cup Mandzukic struck with a well-taken low shot.

England had got off to a flying start when Trippier curled a superb free kick into the top corner.

It was his first goal for his country, England’s 12th of the tournament and ninth from a set-piece, but they should have added more from open play as they revelled in the space they were being given in the first half.

Harry Kane shot weakly at Danijel Subasic when through, then forced the rebound against a post and Raheem Sterling was a constant thorn in the Croatia defence, though again his final ball was too often astray.

The best chance for a second goal, however, was wasted by an unmarked Jesse Lingard when he curled wide when a goal looked certain. Croatia had been desperately poor but started to get a foothold in the game as the match rolled past the hour mark and Luka Modric’s influence grew.

England paid the price for those early misses when Perisic showed great determination to get in front of Kyle Walker to meet a curling Sime Vrsaljko cross and though his boot was arguably high, Walker was stooping and there were few complaints.

Perisic should have added another three minutes later when ragged defending presented him with a great shooting chance but he cannoned the ball against a post.

It was a different game from then on, with Croatia suddenly playing with accuracy and purpose as England lost their shape and composure, though Kane missed a chance to win it in stoppage time when he headed wide from a free kick. Vrsaljko cleared a John Stones header off the line midway through the first extra period.

But it was Croatia who struck in the 109th minute when Perisic won a header on the edge of the box and the ball dropped for Mandzukic whose firm low finish beat Pickford.

REUTERS

■ Read below to recap Ray Gatt’s live coverage of the match

6.59am: Stat that England fans will rue

6.54am: Reaction from England

Ray Gatt 6.38am: FULL-TIME — Croatia win 2-1

It’s over and history is made. Croatia are into the World Cup final for the frst time in their history.

They will play France in the final.

What a great effort from the Croatians. They were a goal down after just five minutes but clawed their way back to win it 2-1 in extra time through Mario Mandzukic.

Edensor Park in Sydney’s south west will have erupted in joy.

But it is heartbreak for England whio produced a wonderful tournament but fell just short in the end.

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.33am: Four minutes left

Croatia hit the side netting through Andrej Kramaric.

There are four added minutes. There is still some life for England. There has been so much late drama in this tournament, are we set for more?

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.31am: England down to 10 men

And now England are in a spot of bother with Kieran Trippier looking to have injured his groin and is carried off. England have run out of substitutes so they will finish the game with 10 men.

Croatia make a change with Luka Modric coming off and Milan Badelj replacing him.

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.28am: Seconds counting down for England

Croatia make another change with Vedran Corluka coming on for goalscorer Mario Mandzukic as the Croatians look to sure up their defence. Mandzukic is spent. We have six minutes plus injury time left.

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.25am: Croatia comeback defies odds

Croatia looked out on their feet, but have somehow found that little bit extra.

They now have a spring in their step.

England make a change and throw striker Jamie Vardy on for defender Kyle Walker as they look for an equaliser.

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.21am: GOAL! Croatia 2-1

Croatia on the attack again and earn a corner on the left. They don’t have too many players in the box. The corner is played short for Marcelo Brozovic who runs on to it but blasts his first time effort well wide.

GOAL. Croatia. Mario Mandzukic gets in behind the England defence to slot the ball into the back of the net after a back header from Ivan Perisic. Croatia have come from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the second period of extra time.

CROATIA 2-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.17am: Fatigue a factor?

Fatigue has really set in here for both sides, but probably more so Croatia even though they finished that period on the attack.

England certainly look the fresher as the players group in a circle while the Croatians are wandering all over the place during this little break.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.15am: Halfway through extra time

Croatia almost fashion a goal late in the first period of extra time. The ball comes into the box from the right and Mario Mandzukic gets a foot to it, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford does enough, getting a knee to the ball and sending it out for a corner.

It’s half-time in the first period of extra time.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.08am: Croatia clear Stones header

England have a corner on the right. It’s floated in and defender John Stones gets a header in that is goal-bound but cleared by the Croatian defence.

Croatia make another change with Andrej Kramaric replacing Ante Rebic. It’s a war of attrition now. We are into the 102nd minute of the game and the players from both sides are showing so much heart.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6.03am: Henderson heads for sheds

Croatia’s Ante Rebic gets a yellow card as England make a change, with Eric Dier coming on for Jordan Henderson.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 6am: Strinic off injured

Croatia are forced to make a change with Ivan Strinic injured. Josip Pivaric comes on to replace him. Strinic could be in trouble for the final if Croatia make it through to the World Cup final.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.57am: Extra time underway

England get the first period of extra time under way.

They should be the fresher side given Croatia are now into their third successive game in extra time.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.51am: FULL-TIME — 1-1

And that’s full-time. It is 1-1 and we head to 15 minutes each way of extra time.

England led for 68 minutes and were in control but Croatia finally found a way to break down the defence with Ivan Perisic, who has been superb, scoring.

Croatia are understandably looking tired and running out of a bit of legs. They’ll probably look to try and hang on for their third successive penalty shoot-out at this World Cup.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.48am: Kane heads wide

There will be three minutes of injury time before we go into extra time - unless someone can find a late, dramatic goal.

Now England get a set piece in a wide area. Kieran Trippier whips in the free kick and Harry Kane gets a head to it, but it goes wide.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.42am: Pickford to the rescue

Can either side find a late winner?

Extra time is certainly looming large, a situation that would probably be more of an advantage for England given Croatia were involved in extra time in their quarter final win over Russia.

Mario Mandzukic has a shot blocked by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.37am: England fight back

England are starting to respond now as they put some pressure on the Croatian defence. Jesse Lingard does some nice work on the right and puts his shot/cross across the face of goal but there is no-one there to take advantage.

Then Jordan Henderson tries his luck from range but it is way over the bar.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Not so enjoyable for England fans at the Castleford Bowl in Manchester right now... Photo: AP
Not so enjoyable for England fans at the Castleford Bowl in Manchester right now... Photo: AP

Ray Gatt 5.32am: Wake up, England

It is amazing what a goal can do for your confidence.

The Croatians are fired up and pressing forward. Ivan Perisic is starting to cause some real problems and look for Luka Modric to exert more influence.

England make the first change of the game with Marcus Rashford coming on for Raheem Sterling. We are into the 75th minute.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.30am: Croatia almost score a second

It will be interesting to see how much the dynamics of this game will change following that goal.

Things were going smoothly for England. They were in control against a side that was getting frustrated and lacking ideas.

But one lapse in concentration has cost them.

You would think the Croatians will pick up considerably now. England need to regroup.

My goodness, Croatia almost get a second as Ivan Perisic turns the England defence inside out but his left foot shot hints the base of the right post.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.26am: GOAL! Croatia equalises

GOAL. Out of nothing Croatia have equalised in the 67th minute through Ivan Perisic.

The cross came in from the right and Perisic got in front of Kyle Walker to poke the ball home.

Well that has changed things dramatically.

CROATIA 1-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.24am: Perisic shoots for Croatia

Croatia continue to persist with trying to cross the ball into the England penalty area. It has been totally ineffective.

The England defenders eat those crosses for breakfast.

Croatia have to find something different to break down the English defence.

Ivan Perisic gets a shot away on the edge of the box that is goal bound but Kyle Walker throws his body at it and makes a great block.

We are 67 minutes into the match.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.14am: Croatia ‘have nothing going forward’

Now England defender Kyle Walker goes into the book after trying to delay a Croatian throw-in. There’s a fair bit of frustration bubbling in this half as Croatia win a corner on the left but England get a relieving free kick.

At the other end, England earn a corner after Jesse Lingard’s attempt on goal is deflected but it is eventually cleared.

This is not a pretty game to be honest.

England doing only what they need to and the Croatians simply have nothing going forward.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.07am: Mandzukic into the book

There’s the first, and I doubt it will be the last, yellow card of the game with Mario Mandzukic going into the referee’s book for kicking the ball away in frustration after a foul was awarded against Ante Rebic.

Again, the Croatians seem to be lethargic and lacking confidence in the early stages of the second half. A bit of frustration is creeping into their game and that’s a bad sign.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 5.04am: Underway in the second half

And the second half is underway.

England are 45 minutes away from their first World Cup final since 1966.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

England fans hold up a World Cup replica as they cheer on their team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Photo: Getty Images
England fans hold up a World Cup replica as they cheer on their team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Photo: Getty Images

5am: Three Lions fan?

Not sure this is official Three Lions merchandise, but...

4.55am: ICYMI ... Trippier’s goal

Ray Gatt 4.48am: HALF-TIME — Croatia 0-1 England

And that’s half time. England go into the break with a well deserved 1-0 lead following Kieran Trippier’s fourth minute free kick.

To be honest, England could have been another goal or two up. They were excellent in the first 45 minutes.

Croatia weren’t in the game in the first half in what was a disappointing effort from them.

They are going to have to lift considerably.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.38am: Lingard wastes a chance for England

Lovely build up from England. Harry Kane bursts through the middle then lays off to Dele Alli, who cuts inside a defender before finding Jesse Lingard on the edge of the box with plenty of time to measure his shot. But he puts it wide. He should have done better and at least got the ball on target.

England really look the more likely to score again. They are working hard, staying composed as we reach the 38 minute mark.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.32am: Kane goes close for England

My word that was close. England almost grab a second.

Harry Kane finds himself on goal but it’s a great save from Danijel Subasic. The linesman eventually puts his flag up so it would have been interesting had the ball found the back of the net.

Meanwhile Croatia work their way down the other end and Ante Rebic tries his luck with an effort from outside the box but it gives England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford no problems.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.28am: Croatia need more from Modric

Croatia are gradually working into this game and it has taken them some time. Obviously they have still been feeling the effects of the epic quarter-final win over Russia. Luka Modric probably needs to get more involved in the game.

Still, England are doing exceptionally well. Their defence is rock-like at the moment and they are doing well in transition, breaking quickly and looking to use Raheem Sterling’s pace down the right flank.

As we approach the 30 minute mark it is still 1-0 England.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

England's Raheem Sterling, left, and Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko challenge for the ball. Photo: AP
England's Raheem Sterling, left, and Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko challenge for the ball. Photo: AP

4.27am: Confidence personified

Ray Gatt 4.20am: Croatia on the attack

Croatia have their first shot on goal after 19 minutes with Ivan Perisic trying his luck from just outside the box. The ball appeared to clip the heel of an England defender on the way through as it goes just past the left post, but the referee signals goal kick.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.16am: Maguire heads wide

England win their third corner of the game. They have been excellent with their set pieces this tournament.

The ball is swung in from the right and Harry Maguire gets a solid header to it but the ball slips wide of the right post.

England are looking the more positive side at the moment while the Croatians have yet to find their rhythm and seem to be a little apprehensive.

We are at the 15 minute mark.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.12am: Teams still testing each other out

Goal aside, it’s been a cagey start from both sides as they test each other out. It doesn’t have the same frenetic pace of the France vs Belgium semi-final, but it is early days.

You get the feeling this game is going to build into something special. The early goal should open up things.

Croatia win a corner on the right but it is cleared by the England defence. We are approaching the nine minute mark.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4.06am: GOAL! Trippier nails free kick

GOAL. What a start for England. England get a free kick in a dangerous area and Kieran Trippier curls it into the top right hand corner of the net, giving Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic absolutely no chance just five minutes into the game.

This is the start England would have dreamed of.

CROATIA 0-1 ENGLAND

Ray Gatt 4am: We’re underway at Luzhniki Stadium

There’s kick off for the second semi-final as England gets us underway. Who will play France in the final? We will know in around 95 minutes time.

CROATIA 0-0 ENGLAND

The scene inside the Luzhniki Stadium before kick-off. Photo: Getty Images
The scene inside the Luzhniki Stadium before kick-off. Photo: Getty Images

3.55am: Piers Morgan-watch

Daniel Sankey 3.45am: Goalkeeper vs goalkeeper

Goalkeepers Danijel Subasic (Croatia) and Jordan Pickford (England) have both had outstanding tournaments ... but today they face their biggest tests.

Both ‘keepers have a save rate better than 70 per cent at this World Cup, and importantly, both have already negotiated their way through penalty shoot-outs — Subasic against Denmark in the round of 16 and again against Russia in the quarter-finals, while Pickford was superb in England’s penalty shoot-out round of 16 win over Colombia.

3.30am: Team formations revealed

3.15am: Henderson ‘under-estimated for a long time’

Maligned for years as a player who does not deserve a place at the top of the game, Jordan Henderson has come to personify an under-rated England side who have confounded expectations by reaching the World Cup semi-finals.

The 28-year-old Liverpool holding midfielder has really come into his own in Russia as Gareth Southgate’s youthful side have taken England to the World Cup’s last four for the first time since 1990.

“Jordan’s a player who’s been under-estimated for a long time,” Southgate said at a pre-match press conference, with Henderson sitting beside him.

“He’s an outstanding person, he has outstanding leadership qualities ... he’s playing at the top of his game.

“He’s not only a huge part of the team but of what we’re building as part of the team in terms of his leadership. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

England midfielder Jordan Henderson (right) and coach Gareth Southgate inspect the Luzhniki Stadium pitch in Moscow. Photo: AFP
England midfielder Jordan Henderson (right) and coach Gareth Southgate inspect the Luzhniki Stadium pitch in Moscow. Photo: AFP

That Henderson is more attack-minded than the other holding midfielder in the squad, Eric Dier, has enabled him to fit perfectly into the pattern of play England have developed in Russia.

He brings steel to a midfield rich in skill and pace but small in stature — a midfield that might otherwise get blown away by more physical opponents. Protecting the back three remains his number one priority but, as Southgate pointed out, Henderson has developed other strengths.

Jordan Henderson (right) in action for England against Sweden in their World Cup quarter-final. Photo: AFP
Jordan Henderson (right) in action for England against Sweden in their World Cup quarter-final. Photo: AFP

“The quality of his game has gone on to another level this season I think, his understanding, reading of danger,” the manager said.

“You can see he’s seeing really clear pictures with the ball. Seeing passes early, seeing forward passes early, a couple of his through balls the other night were exceptional.” Henderson made his international debut in 2010 and has played 43 times for his country.

REUTERS

3am: Harry predicts England victory

Britain’s Prince Harry confidently predicted that England would lift the World Cup as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their semi-final against Croatia.

Asked during a visit to the Irish President’s residence in Dublin whether football was “coming home” to England, Harry replied “most definitely.” The phrase comes from a 1996 soccer anthem Three Lions.

Harry and his American wife Meghan’s two-day visit to the Irish capital is their first trip abroad since their wedding in May. Harry, whose brother William is the President of England’s Football Association, is due to England in time for kick off today.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, visit the Dogpatch startup hub in Dublin ahead of today’s World Cup semi-final. Photo: AFP
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, visit the Dogpatch startup hub in Dublin ahead of today’s World Cup semi-final. Photo: AFP

2.55am: Starting XIs

2.30am: How the bookie sees it

England are warm favourites to win through to the World Cup final this weekend, with experts and bookmakers bullish about their chances.

Online bookmaker PointsBet has made England a $2.20 favourite to win today’s semi-final, with the draw paying $3.05 and a Croatia win at $3.70.

In PointsBet’s “draw no bet” market, in which bets are refunded in the event of a draw at the end of regular time, England are paying $1.52 to Croatia’s $2.55.

Not surprisingly, England captain Harry Kane is a hot favourite to be the first goalscorer of the match. PointsBet is offering odds of $4.33 for Kane to open the scoring, ahead of No Goalscorer at $6.25. Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy is next at $6.75 from another England forward, Marcus Rashford, at $7.50. If you think a Croatian player will be the first to break the deadlock, Mario Mandzukic ($9.00) is the most favoured option.

2.15am: England’s secret strategy born in NBA, NFL

More goals have come from set pieces in this World Cup’s group stage than any other and the trend continued into the knockout stages with five of the 11 strikes in the quarter-finals coming from free-kicks or corners.

England continued their prolific use of set-plays to break the deadlock in their 2-0 win over Sweden when Harry Maguire headed home from a corner.

England have been far more reliant on set-play strategy than fellow semi- finalists Belgium and France, who have struck three goals each from them, while their next opponents Croatia have scored from only one set piece and one penalty.

England defender Harry Maguire (second from right) heads England into the lead against Sweden in last week’s World Cup quarter-final. Photo: AFP
England defender Harry Maguire (second from right) heads England into the lead against Sweden in last week’s World Cup quarter-final. Photo: AFP

Gareth Southgate’s side’s potency from set pieces was certainly on the minds of Croatia after they were forced into penalties by Russia after Fernandes’ header from a free kick.

“We watched the game and saw how good they are from dead-ball situations,” captain Luka Modric said.

England’s remarkable set-play success is the fruit of extra preparation on the training ground with attacking coach Allan Russell, who has travelled with Southgate to the United States to study strategies from the NBA and NFL.

“We’d been spending a lot of time on set pieces, right down to the details, all the runs and the blocks,” said midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. In a World Cup where set pieces have played such a huge role from the group stage to the quarter-finals and with teams becoming ever more cautious as the final approaches, that edge could prove the difference between England snapping 52 years of hurt or falling at the penultimate hurdle.

Brains trust … England head coach Gareth Southgate (centre) with his assistants Steve Holland (left) and Allan Russell. Photo: Getty Images
Brains trust … England head coach Gareth Southgate (centre) with his assistants Steve Holland (left) and Allan Russell. Photo: Getty Images

REUTERS

2am: Fatigue not a factor, Croatia insists

Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic insists his team won’t let fatigue get in their way when they face England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

The Balkan side played more than four hours of football in their penalty-shootout victories over Denmark in the round of 16 and Russia in the quarter- finals.

“It’s so special to do something with the national team,” said Mandzukic. “We have been waiting for a number of years to do something great with Croatia. Now we are finally near such an achievement and we will leave every drop of sweat on the pitch to achieve our goal.”

However, the Juventus striker rejected the idea that Croatia should be seen as favourites against England.

“I agree Croatia has several more experienced players,” Mandzukic said. “That will help us, but the chances are 50-50, I believe, because everybody deserves to be at the semi-final.”

Croatia has reached the final four on one previous occasion, at the 1998 World Cup in France.

“I think for Croatia team, our biggest pressure was beating Denmark in the last 16. We feel much easier at this point and we are enjoying what is happening,” Mandzukic said.

Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic speaks to media ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England. Photo: AFP
Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic speaks to media ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England. Photo: AFP

EFE

1.45am: England ready to seize opportunity

Kyle Walker believes today’s semi-final against Croatia may be England’s best opportunity to reach another World Cup final.

Years of major tournament disappointment has led to waning excitement around the Three Lions, but this summer has seen hope and excitement return in spades. England’s impressive group-stage display was followed by a shootout triumph against Colombia and surprisingly comfortable quarter-final win against Sweden, propelling the country to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990. Croatia are all that now stands between Gareth Southgate’s men and a chance at replicating the heroes of 1966, with Walker aware of just how big a chance the semi-final represents.

“It’s a great opportunity,” the England defender said. “I think we all know that. I think it’s the best opportunity that England’s ever had (since 1966), and probably might ever have because no disrespect to Croatia but the other side of the group was a lot more difficult.

“They have got some fantastic players. I’ve played with Luka (Modric) and for me he is one of the best midfielders in the world by far.

Danger man … Croatia midfielder Luka Modric. Photo: AFP
Danger man … Croatia midfielder Luka Modric. Photo: AFP

“But we have to just adapt ourselves to their game plan, but also they have to worry about us.

“We’ve played well, we’ve played well in the games. I think we’ve shown immense character.

“The goal going in against Colombia and us digging ourselves out and stepping up for the penalties and the five penalty-takers taking them, full credit to them. So we have shown character, we’ve shown belief and I think that’s what is going to get us over the line in this game.”

To even be at this stage is a remarkable change in fortunes given it is just two years since the Euro Championship humbling by Iceland — a galling loss compounded by Sam Allardyce’s ignominious exit after 67 days. Southgate has manfully steered around the ship and Walker does not think the manager “gets as much credit as he deserves” for his work in bringing this group together.

“It’s special,” Walker told IRN. “It really is. That’s the only word I can describe it because we’re all a family. I said at the start of this that over this summer, this is our family.

“You obviously have got your family at home and the kids that you need to keep in touch with, keep checking in or the missus might go mad. But this is our family now.”

England defender Kyle Walker celebrates his team’s quarter-final victory over Sweden. Photo: AFP
England defender Kyle Walker celebrates his team’s quarter-final victory over Sweden. Photo: AFP

PA

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