It’s not coming home.
England’s 28 year wait for a World Cup semi-final ended in a
desperate defeat to underdogs Croatia, after the former had led early on
through Kieran Trippier.
England dominated the first half, but Croatia battled back,
firstly through Ivan Perisic, whose fine finish forced extra time, and then
Mario Mandzukic took advantage of some chaotic England defending to make it
2-1.
Croatia held on, and reached their first World Cup final,
denying England their first shot in 52 years.
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Croatia
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Danijel Subasic – 6
Not much he could have done about free-kick, little to deal
with subsequently.
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Sime Vrsaljko – 8
Looked dangerous down the right throughout, took him a while
to get the better of Young but when he did, he delivered. Grew in confidence
and became increasingly dangerous Cleared Stones’ header off the line, a
fantastic performance.
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Dejan Lovren – 4
Aggressive and dirty early on. Theatrics on the stroke of
half-time failed. Much improved after the break, but still reliant on Vida.
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Domagoj Vida – 7
Held up the centre of defence when Lovren was losing it in
the first period. Solid throughout, a strong performance.
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Ivan Strinic – 5
Lost the battle against Trippier. Looked reasonably solid on
the ball, but rightly substituted in extra time.
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Marcelo Brozovic – 6
Played some shocking passes early on, but improved as the
match went on and brought more players into the game.
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Ante Rebic – 6
One of Croatia’s more threatening players in the first half.
Croatia always looked good down his side, but this was mostly due to Vrsaljko.
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Luka Modric – 6
Fouled Dele Alli for England’s free-kick that Trippier
scored from. Involved in a lot of positive play, but nothing like the impact
many suggest he had.
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Ivan Rakitic – 5
Should have shot earlier for chance at the end of the first
period. Didn’t offer much in attack and gave away a few fouls.
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Ivan Perisic – 8
Early pot shots signified Croatia’s desperation in the first
half. Came up with the goods with a brilliant finish to equalise. Great cross
nearly gave his side the winner, late header set Mandzukic up for victory
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Mario Mandzukic – 7
Almost non-existent other than one chance late in regular
time. Did fantastically to get on the end of Perisic’s cross, somehow Pickford
got in the way. Made no mistake with his next chance, what a way to win it.
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Subs:
Vedran Corluka – N/A
Andrej Kramaric – 6
Milan Badelj – N/A
Josip Pivaric – 5
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England
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Jordan Pickford – 7
Perisic goal was very difficult to stop, superb save off
Mandzukic chance kept his side in the game. Couldn’t do anything about the next
one.
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Kyle Walker – 7
Solid in defence until Croatia goal, with little coming
through him, also an option to move the ball out from the back. Will be
disappointed with his defending for the goal
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John Stones – 7
Defended brilliantly, getting his body in the way of almost
everything. Controlled the ball excellently at the back, until a ghastly mix-up
that nearly led to a second Croatian goal. Saw a late header cleared off the
line, and wasn’t quite quick enough to react to the late chance handed to
Mandzukic but had a fine game.
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Harry Maguire – 6
Not as sharp at set pieces and casual at times in defence.
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Jordan Henderson – 5
Failed to steer the ship as he has done for England, both
offensively and defensively.
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Kieran Trippier – 7
Sensational free-kick gave England an early lead. Always
threatening, central to a lot of England’s best attacking play and defended
superbly for the first hour. Errors crept in however, and whilst he wasn’t
responsible for the first goal, the lack of pressure on Perisic for the second
was fatal for England.
Credit: Getty Images
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Jesse Lingard – 5
Missed brilliant opportunity late in the first half. Not as
lively as we’ve seen at times in this tournament.
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Dele Alli – 5
Won the free-kick for the first goal, very lively early on. Became
more quiet and passing became more wayward as the game drew on.
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Ashley Young – 6
Well defended to deny Rebic an early chance and generally
got things going down the left. But the cross for the equaliser did come
through his channel.
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Harry Kane – 6
Not a great deal to work with, but he has had better nights.
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Raheem Sterling – 5
Lacked control of the ball but made some threatening runs.
Pressed reasonably well. A typical Sterling performance.
Subs:
Rose – 6
Dier – 6
Vardy – N/A
Rashford – 5
Credit: Getty Images
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