Croatian Jubilation as England Fall at Last Hurdle

The sound of England fans singing ‘It’s coming home’ rang around the Luzhniki Stadium in Russia after Kieran Trippier found the net to put his team ahead. England fans were already thinking about the game against France in the final, they were closer to winning the World Cup than they had been since 1966. They had one foot in the final but then it all turned sour. The best chance England have had in years to win a major tournament slipped through their fingers as Ivan Perisic equalised to take England into extra time before Mandzukic struck in the 109^th minute and ensured England fans would have to wait a while longer before ‘it comes home’.

Luka Modric steers Croatia to the final

England’s misery, Croatia’s jubilation as they reached the final of the World Cup for the first time ever. Going into the game, England fans feared the talent of Luka Modric but there were heroes all over the pitch as Croatia went against the odds to get into the final. A very tough challenge awaits Croatia, in the shape of football giants France but for now, Croatia fans will just be happy that they have come so far.

"When you play a semi-final, it is impossible to be tired."

Luka Modric scoffed at the thought that Croatia would be worn out before facing England #WorldCup https://t.co/RUIxAH0X6O

— Goal (@goal) July 12, 2018

English media underestimated Croatia

After the game, Modric pointed out that the English media had underestimated his team but it was probably more a case of getting behind their home team and joining in with the hope of the nation. The English media knows all about what Modric is capable of. He was so good at Tottenham that he caught the eye of Real Madrid, where he has helped them to numerous trophies, including the most recent Champions League when they beat Liverpool.

That day he was playing against Dejan Lovren, his Croatian teammate. Lovren has been no stranger to criticism from the English media, after a few costly mistakes in his Liverpool career. However, it was Lovren who had the last laugh this time, as he will be playing in the World Cup final on Sunday. His Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson will play on Saturday if selected, in a game that will determine 3^rd and 4^th place.