Croatia and France to face off in 2018 World Cup final

[sandensea]

England saw its best chance of ending several generations’ worth of World Cup pain slip away on Wednesday night, as Croatia fought back for a 2-1 win in extra time, securing a spot against France in Sunday’s final.

England had not been to a semifinal since 1990, and not reached the title game since it won soccer’s greatest prize for the only time back in 1966. This, for much of a wild and rugged evening at Luzhniki Stadium, looked like the time. Until it wasn’t.

Croatia was one of the most impressive teams of the group stage before surviving two penalty shootouts to reach this point. Its technical ability and fierce resiliency allowed it to capitalize on England’s nervous lapses when victory was in sight.

Mario Mandzukic got the winner in injury time to put Croatia, with previously a tournament-best semifinal in 1998 to its name, one game away from winning it all.

At: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2018/07/11/croatia-england-mario-mandzukic-world-cup-semifinals/776569002/

[peacebuzzard]

1. So England and Belgium play for 3rd and 4th?

Of course, interest drops at that point.

[Ron Obvious]

3. Another match between the Belgian and English reserves then...

I imagine nobody wants to play this one. Or watch it.

Belgium should win it.

[sandensea]

4. To be forever known as the Poirot playoff

"How this strains the little gray cells."

[lunamagica]

2. I thought Croatia played really dirty. Very disappointed by the result

[LisaM]

5. I am, too.

A lot of my Tottenham players were on England. Well, vive la France!

[erpowers]

12. The Refs

I did think the refs were letting Croatia get away with some fouls. However, it seems that the refs were letting each team play a little hard. Maybe the commentators were more concerned about Croatia, but even the commentators were calling for the refs to issue more yellow cards.

[lunamagica]

13. Honestly, I didn't see the English players shoving and tripping their opponents the way

the Croatians did. I thought England played a clean game.

[erpowers]

14. Saw a Little From England

I thought I saw a little hard play from the England players, but during the game I thought English Fans would have a right to complain about the refs. I would not have had a problem with English fans claiming the refs were working with Croatia in order to help them win. At least once, I thought the ball was last touched by the Croatian team before it went out of bounds, but the ball was given back to Croatia. So, yeah, you and other England fans/supporters have a right to be upset. The officiating for that game was poor.

[Ron Obvious]

6. Croatia deserved it.

Croatia were the better team after the first 30 minutes. I just knew England were going to rue their missed chances. I hope Croatia beat France next.

[lunamagica]

7. I disagree. They played dirty

[Ron Obvious]

8. Can't say I noticed particularly. n/t

[Hav]

10. Neither did I

Both semis seemed very fair given the importance of the games.

[T_i_B]

9. England's gonna England.........

[Ron Obvious]

11. It's the hope that kills you.

Sigh.