England out of the World Cup after extra-time defeat to Croatia - as it happened
Follow all the reaction from the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England's World Cup dream has come to an end after the side were beaten 2-1 after extra-time by Croatia.
The Three Lions pulled ahead after just five minutes through Kieran Trippier's sublime free-kick and for the following 62 minutes it was England who looked set for a place in the final.
But Ivan Perisic levelled for Croatia to take the game to extra-time before Mario Mandzukic struck in the 109th minute to put Zlatko Dalic's men in front.
England pushed on but were ultimately unable to find an equaliser. They now face Belgium in Saturday's third-place decider while Croatia go through to the final where they meet France.
Here's how it happened:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
On thin ice: Dejan Lovren has already been warned twice by referee Cuneyt Cakir
32 mins: Danger for England! It's that man Luka Modric. He finds space for the first time and gets into the penalty area, tracked by Henderson, he eventually passes to Rebic who's shot is comfortable for Pickford.
34 mins: Croatia just starting to grow into this one. For all of England's early domination they have just the one goal to show for it. A second goal now would give some breathing space to some hearts that are beginning to beat a bit too quick for our liking.
36 mins: Harry Kane breaks forward, gives it to Dele Alli on the left, who perfectly picks out Jesse Lingard on the edge of the box who can't get his foot round it and curls it wide of the post. Another chance goes begging for England.
He has enough time to get some butter for his toast before starting his run and flying around them. Pivotal to England's attacks so far.
41 mins: Vida booed as he touches the ball after making some less than kind comments about Russia around their quarter-final. England eventually end a prolonged spell of Croatian possession, which looked toothless for the most part
43 mins: Vrsaljko with a wild shot from range. England will be happy with efforts like that on Jordan Pickford's goal
45 mins: Harry Maguire attempts a pass back, it's not quite close enough and causes some panic in the England area. Croatia have a free kick wide on England's right with Luka Modric poised to take.
HALF TIME: Croatia 0-1 England
Kieran Trippier has the only goal of the half from his free kick five minutes in, but in truth England could have had more. Croatia growing back into the game towards the end of the half, but England go into the tunnel ahead.
Half-time ratings from Ed Malyon at the Luzhniki Stadium:
Kieran Trippier's outstanding strike is the difference between the two sides at the moment but Raheem Sterling has been the real star. His dangerous running is causing loads of problems for Croatia's veteran defenders and if only his fellow attackers had been sharper this lead could have been greater.
Croatia looked to have no discernible plan but finally started putting together phases of possession as the half closed. Should that continue and they begin to dominate the ball, bringing those playmakers into proceedings, then England have not got this one in the bag, not even close.
Croatia: Subasic 5, Vrsaljko 5.5, Lovren 5, Vida 5, Strinic 5, Rakitic 5.5, Brozovic 5.5, Rebic 5.5, Modric 5, Perisic 5, Mandzukic 5
England: Pickford 6, Walker 6, Stones 6.5, Maguire 6.5, Trippier 8, Alli 6, Henderson 6.5, Lingard 5.5, Young 5.5, Sterling 7.5, Kane 5.5
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments