The second final- from the so called weaker side of the table- was between Croatia and England. Both teams could write history if they reached the final. For England, it would have been only the second final ever and the first since the glory year 1966. Croatia could reach their first ever final in what was only their second semi final in their (short) history. In 1998, they lost against later winners France. A chance to avenge that lost semi final was awaiting on Sunday with France already in the final (don't ask who they beat in the semi-final...).
The confidence of the England fans in their national team reached levels we hadn't seen for years. 2018 was gonna be their year, no doubts. It all couldn't start better for the Three Lions yesterday. When Modric fouled Dele Alli at the edge of the box, England got an interesting free kick. Right back Trippier placed the ball over the wall beautifully and England took an early lead. The third match in a row where Croatia conceded the first goal and had to pursuit. Their last two matches went on to extra time and penalties and it seemed like it had cost too many energy for the Croatian team. They were very poor in the first half. On the other side, England probably played their best first half of the tournament. By times their combinations were good, and their set pieces dangerous as we know. In other words, the second goal seemed a matter of time. Kane got two golden opportunities. The first one was disallowed for offside, the second one was a inexplicable and unusual miss from the Golden Boot. Around the half hour mark, he slipped through the defense. He was denied by Subasic in the first instance, but then he hit the post in front of an open goal. Admittedly, the angle was difficult, but for a striker with 30 Premier League goals, you can expect him to score from any position. So it was just 1-0 for England at the break. A good position in a semi-final, but England wasted the opportunities to wrap it up already. Croatia couldn't complain with the score and had to revive themselves in the second half.
If there is one thing this tournament has learned us, is that you can never take anything for certain. Croatia proved this yet again. Their fighting spirit and enthusiasm were back in the second half and the face of the match changed completely. They found a new source of energy and the two extra times they played before this match were out of their legs. Don't get me wrong, it still took some time. In minute 68, Vrsaljko crossed and Perisic somehow managed to get in front of Walker and equalized. Gone was any security and control England enjoyed until that point. Only minutes later, Perisic again dribbled himself free but hit the post- just like he did against Russia, Rebic miskicked the rebound in the grateful hands of Pickford. England tried to remain dangerous on the counter attacks, but it were the Croatians who were pushing for the second goal. That didn't come so Croatia was forced to extra time yet again. Never did a team have to play so many minutes in a World Cup.
If you think that this might have been the extra time too much for Croatia, you seemed to be right in the first period. England retook control of the match and were the better side. Stones had the golden opportunity: his header on a corner went perfectly into the corner out of reach for Subasic, if it hadn't been for Vrsaljko who cleared on the line. But Croatia seems to be tirelessly on this World Cup. Mandzukic had a good chance just before the short break, but he found Pickford on his way. Croatie kept running like it was in their first match and their mentality was finally rewarded in minute 99: Perisic- the absolute star of the show- headed a ball behind Walker who got suprised by Mandzukic. The Juventus striker put Croatia in front. The scenes of joy wre heartwarming, even a photographer unwillingly became part of the celebrations. England couldn't recover from this blow and their dreams were over. Croatia will go to their first final ever after a performance that you can only admire.
What will the final bring? France are the favorites. Don't expect too many surprises from them: their approach will be the same as against Belgium. They showed that can they shut down the best scoring teams. They don't care about beautiful football, they just want to win. I won't deny that my sympathy is for Croatia on Sunday. There can't be any question about their physical fitness and fighting spirit. But after having to go so deep to beat England, can they force another miracle against France? France will be happy to let them waste all the energy they find, and then strike at the right moment. The fact they only had to play 90 minutes and have an extra resting day, is an advantage that can't be overseen at this stage in the tournament. Furthermore, they will have learned from their mistakes of 2 years ago, when they were favorites against Portugal as well. That's why it seems for me that a victory for France is the only logical outcome. But this World Cup has been far from logical, so I wouldn't dare to cross out Croatia before the match is over. If there is one thing they showed, is that you are never finished with them. Let's just all hope for a memorable final and let the best team win!
P.S.: Don't forget Belgium and England play the 'losers final' on Saturday. Their second meeting in this tournament, but again one without any stakes except pride. Although it is more likely the coaches will pick their best teams this time. I say that if Belgium B is better than England B, the same logic should count when the A teams play against each other.