Football is not coming home, after a heartbreaking ending to England's 2018 World Cup run. But for Croatia, the dream continues. After rallying from a goal down, the second smallest country to ever reach a World Cup Final will try to become just the ninth team to lift the trophy, after a third straight knockout stage extra time. RESULT...
Football is not coming home, after a heartbreaking ending to England's 2018 World Cup run.
But for Croatia, the dream continues. After rallying from a goal down, the second smallest country to ever reach a World Cup Final will try to become just the ninth team to lift the trophy, after a third straight knockout stage extra time.
RESULT
Croatia 2-1 England, added extra time
WEDNESDAY'S THREE STARS
Mario Mandzukic, Croatia
After running his socks off for three straight 120-plus minute matches, the big striker came up with the biggest goal in Croatia's history. Mandzukic scored the winner in the 109th minute, and rated out at a 7.61 on Whoscored.com.
Ivan Perisic, Croatia
The Whoscored.com Man of the Match with an 8.70 rating, his goal in the 68th minute turned the tide of the contest. He also hit the woodwork, and grew into the game with every minute.
Kieran Trippier, England
He gave England the lead with a beautifully taken free kick in the fifth minute, but his side could not make the lead hold. Rated at an 8.36 on Whoscored.com, and left the pitch with a leg injury late.
World Cup semifinals: Vive La France, as Les Bleus advance to final
CROATIA OVERCOMES ALL, WINS THIRD STRAIGHT EXTRA TIME GAME
At this point in the 2018 World Cup, the Croatian team should be out of gas.
Three straight extra time matches, including two that went to penalties, should have seen Croatia wear down with each minute that ticked off the clock against England.
But as the match wore on, after a fifth minute strike gave England the lead, the Croatian midfield started to take over the contest. Perisic's goal, as he ghosted in front of Kyle Walker to find the back of the net, gave Croatia the foot hold it needed in the match.
Both teams had chances, including Harry Kane's that bounced off the post from one yard, but it was Croatia that had double the chances of the English side, and Mandzukic finally won it.
It is not often that the two best teams at the tournament make a final, but there is a strong argument to be made that France and Croatia are the top sides.
Sunday, we will find out exactly where the home of the World Cup trophy will be for the next four years, until Qatar 2022.
SATURDAY'S THIRD PLACE MATCH
Belgium vs. England, 10 a.m. EDT Fox and Fubo.tv.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR SATURDAY
Will either team care about the match, or will they both go through the motions?
The third place match at the World Cup is usually one of the best to watch, because the pressure is off, and both teams just play.
Both Belgium and are filled with talent, so the contest could see some goals scored, which is usually the case.
THE PICK
Belgium 3-1 England
Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His weekly podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2