Croatia to meet France in World Cup final after 2-1 win over England in extra-time

England, appearing in their first semi-final since 1990, had looked on course for their first final since 1966 as they led through Kieran Trippier’s fifth-minute free kick and totally dominated the opening half.

Croatia, in their first semi since 1998, levelled through Ivan Perisic after 68 minutes and then looked the more dangerous side.

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It's happening.
It's real.
It's a dream come true.#CRO the #WorldCupFinal!#Vatreni?, congratulations!#BeProud #FlamingPride #CROENG #WorldCup #Family pic.twitter.com/iUvAqFOe99

— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 11, 2018

It stayed level at 90 minutes, meaning Croatia faced extra time for the third successive game, having got past Denmark and Russia on penalties.

But just when it looked as if they would become the first team to appear in three shootouts at a single World Cup Mandzukic struck with a well-taken low shot.

England had got off to a flying start when Trippier curled a superb free kick into the top corner.

It was his first goal for his country, England’s 12th of the tournament and ninth from a set-piece, but they should have added more from open play as they revelled in the space they were being given in the first half

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