FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia edge past England to set up final clash with France

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

Updated on: Jul 12, 2018 2:31 AM IST

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Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates scoring their second goal of the FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final vs England at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on July 11, 2018. Croatia won 2-1. (REUTERS)

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Kieran Trippier (not pictured) scores the opening goal from a free kick. (AP)

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England's defender Kieran Trippier (L) celebrates his goal with England's midfielder Jesse Lingard. (AFP)

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Croatia's Ivan Perisic scores their first goal. (REUTERS)

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Ivan Perisic celebrates scoring the equaliser. (REUTERS)

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Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scores their second goal past England's Jordan Pickford. (REUTERS)

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Mario Mandzukic celebrates scoring the winner. (REUTERS)

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Croatia entered the final of the World Cup for the first time in history with this win (REUTERS)