History-Maker Mandzukic Sends Croatia into First Final

M Ashraf Siddiqui

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11/07/2018

Moscow 11 July 2018 (FIFA)

Croatia have reached their first FIFA World Cup Final, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 after extra time at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow - with Mario Mandzukic's extra time goal the decisive strike.

The game had started so well for the Three Lions. Less than five minutes were on the clock when Kieran Trippier curled a delicious free-kick past the helpless Danijel Subasic.

Croatia struck back after the break. After continually increasing the pressure on the Three Lions, Sime Vrsaljko's pinpoint cross was met by Ivan Perisic, who snuck in to level from close range. Less than five minutes later, Perisic found himself in space in the English penalty area, but his effort struck the post, and the follow-up was gratefully held by Jordan Pickford.

The Inter Milan man's effort off the woodwork was the closest either side came to taking the lead before the 90 minutes were up, meaning England faced a second period of extra time at Russia 2018 - with Croatia undertaking a third consecutive additional 30 minutes.

Vatreni did not need penalties this time though. Mandzukic ghosted in behind the English defence, who momentarily lost concentration, and the Juventus man hammered home a historic strike to send his country into their maiden World Cup Final.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and John Stones of England chat with Referee Cuneyt Cakir during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England gathers the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: General view inside the England dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

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