Hello and welcome to the replay of the second World Cup semifinal
between Croatia and England, the winner takes on France on Sunday.
Your commentators, Martin Keown and Guy Mowbray.
In warm greeting between Gareth Southgate and Zlatko Dalic who has
made this Croatia side looking to go better than the semifinal side
previously. Subasic is a cake despite a niggle. Vrsaljko has
recovered from a knee injury. Kramaric has dropped out. Brozovic
anchors midfield allowing Luca Modric and Ivan Rakitic to show
their talents in attacking areas. They will be the main points of
concern.
As at the last World Cup, Cuneyt Cakir gets three games at the
tournament culminating with a semifinal but not the ultimate
honour.
England fans say, same again, please, Southgate has named his
team, Henderson had a slight problem with a hamstring that has trained
normally since, a key role to play against Croatia in midfield.
Eight weren't born when England last played in a World Cup semifinal.
Gareth Southgate wasn't around for the one and only final.
Now, they will stand on the verge of history.
One of the most talented midfielders in the world, something the most
complete midfield man in the world, Luca Modric has had an outstanding
tournament. Dele Alli's tournament may just be
getting going after heading a second goal in against Sweden. And the man
who tops the goal charts, Harry Kane.
Faces of concentration, focus and desire all over the field.
In reality, there is only one game bigger than this. One more game to
win. For that one shot at glory. Only
three games to go of a tournament that has made so many of us fall in
love with the beautiful game all over again.
France await the winners. Martin Keown can't wait to see how this
unfolds. We are very privileged to sit here
and let us hope they can put in a performance of their lives. Croatia
have someone to full talent. A marked step up from opposition
England have faced so far,. Croatia may be feeling wary after
being taken all the way to penalties in their previous knockout games,
against Denmark and Russia.
Flat coat Dulwich is a pretty cool character, a no-nonsense coach, he
sent home Nikola Kalinic at the start of the tournament -- Zlatko
Dalic. Jesse Lingard, a little over eager. The referee who has a
reputation as a strict disciplinarian will not hang about
in booking players. Lingard showing he will push on to
put those central defenders under pressure.
That will be an England throw. I know you are fond of using that
line, putting in the early producer, Martin, but not so easy these days.
Certainly not with all the cameras around. Lingard does that really
well, comes out tactically. Interesting how England will cope
with Croatia who are really well prepared. Very adaptable with
midfield. Rows of ridge will sit deep but Modric is the player to
look out for. Do you buy into the tired idea or
does adrenaline make up for it? They must be loving it out there.
Harry Maguire across to Kyle Walker. A look at Kieran Trippier, tweaking
his right ankle in the warm up but he seemed to get over it
successfully enough. Sometimes these things happen in the
warm up. Pickford. A string to our vote the
way he can work at the back -- to our bow.
Mandzukic has been penalised filleting his arms on an opponent,
Jordan Henderson. He does a lot of that, leaning on
his opponent, a tough customer. You can see the arms, those levers.
Rakitic came to Walker who got it quickly up and away.
Lingard, Dele Alli who is bundled to the floor. It is a free kick for
England. In a very useful position.Modric
taking Dele Alli out. Good play from England, Dele Alli just getting the
wrong side of him, drawing the kick -- the free kick.Former Tottenham
favourite, fouling a current one. There might be another one who
benefits. Kieran Trippier has been overruled
by Ashley Young.
Modric is going to have to leave that position shortly.
Just making sure the Croatian wall is built on solid foundations before
giving England any ideas of kicking the ball.
Waiting for the whistle, anyway. How on earth do you find a way
through? I am not sure the keeper can see the
ball. Young or Trippier.
Trippier... And Ciaran Trippier has scored for England!
scored for England! -- Kieran. Pinpoint perfection. In the game of
their lives, it is the start, the stuff of dreams.
The technique that this is beautiful. He makes it look so easy.
The keeper can't see it, a wonderful technique, up and down, perfect.
That is a thing of beauty from Kieran Trippier. What a time to
score a first international goal, what a way to score it.
And the manager and his right-hand man stay as cool as you like.
Don't you like that with Southgate come he doesn't overreact. Just a
warm glow. My boys are off to a flyer.
12 goals scored at Russia 2018 by this England team, nine of them from
set pieces.
We have seen Croatia go back behind in the last two matches and come
back, in extra time. Let's see what they are made of now.
Across towards Perisic and Pickford catches it, in a hurry to get
Sterling away comic he has the piece, he has the pace, eating up
the ground.
Henderson, Sterling, good goalkeeping from Danijel Subasic.
goalkeeping from Danijel Subasic.It looked like a planned move from the
goalkeeper to get the ball in to test those central defenders.
Luka Modric, the player guilty of giving away the free kick from which
England scored.
Modric has Vrsaljko on the move. Dejan Lovren that as well. Vrsaljko
likes to push on, on the right-hand side.Ashley Young will have to be
aware of that. Rakitic and Perisic combining, and
Kyle Walker, digging the ball back to Ivan Rakitic. -- giving the ball
back. Perisic, Ashley Young is mindful of
Vrsaljko and has do concede a corner.
Difficult ball for him to deal with. Not sure what to do, in the end,
gets his chest on it, a bit uncertain there.A bit nervy.
Mandzukic, Lovren, Fedo, all big threats. Perisic is a talk presents.
Following the England tactic. Modric into the mix. -- Perisic is a tall
presence. England have been fortunate in the way they have
straddled the ball clear, one for Sterling to get onto.
Vrsaljko did the job against him. Twice England looking to get
Sterling away quickly. England throw.
Maguire, a little shove on him when the ball came into the box from
Mandzukic. You could watch that time and again,
look at the keeper, what it means to him, wonderful technique come up and
down, perfect.
down, perfect. -- wonderful technique, up and down.
Kieran Trippier he has got better and better.The sky is the limit for
this player. What a late developer in relative
normal football terms, 12th cap, 27, didn't make it at Manchester City,
went to Burnley, went up and down with Burnley, made the move to
Tottenham where he had to wait patiently for Kyle Walker to move
before getting a game.It is hard to think of a full-back or wingback who
had played better in the World Cup for England.
It will come to Dele Alli. Sterling was barring the way back to the
goalkeeper. England have started absolutely motoring.The first time
I have seen Croatia so unsettled so early, England rattling them.As
everyone is aware, there is a long way to go.
12th goal of the World Cup is a record total for an England team.
Even more than you know when.
Cut out by Brozovic but England had it back quickly.
Dele Alli, his confidence is back. England have another free kick for
Dele Alli being caught.
A very good call from the referee, he is on it tonight.Ashley Young to
take it. The Croatian coach saying yesterday, we know where England
zest threat is, they're set play.A zonal formation to counteract
England, can they do it?
In from Young. Maguire had actually turned away from it by the time he
made contact, the referee wasn't going to allow it to stand, he
spotted some pushing. That line, peeling off, attacking
the ball.
The ball went out of play from Ante Rebic.
Rebic.He is a good player. We haven't really seen him so far, but
he wants to run at his opponent, very quick, skilful.
Safely back to Pickford by Kyle Walker.
Walker. Is this now a time when England hearts had to come back to a
normal beat and calm things down. Definitely. They have been nice and
professional, gone on the attack on a couple of occasions.
Dele Alli. He gets it out. It wouldn't reach Lingard. It will be
another England corner. Kieran Trippier tried to put in another
perfect ball.Unusual for him not to be the first man, his crossing has
been outstanding in this competition. Let us see what he can
do from the corner.
The queue will form once more. England have all their ducks in a
row.
Maguire at the back of it all, can't direct that one.
His head is like a magnet for the ball, it seems to go to him every
time, he can't get it on target, the defender does just enough.
Vida getting his body in the way.It is England's turn to try and carry
out a version of this, making Subasic go along with this.
Play will be brought back for a Croatian free kick.File on
Mandzukic, I think it was Walker.
Mandzukic, I think it was Walker. -- foul.
That is a good cross, Perisic try to fit it, and belted away. Fedo
constantly looking over his shoulder because of the menace of Raheem
Sterling.His pace is devastating, they are aware of that. Croatia are
not averse of putting it in the box with Mandzukic. But they will play
with various and.That run stopped by Henderson. Kane blocked by
Vrsaljko.
He is arguing Vrsaljko he didn't touch him but that is the evidence.
Nice to hear constant noise in support of England. It has built and
built. At the start, not many were coming to Russia but as the
excitement built so did the travelling support. Thousands in
Moscow.
Making their presence felt in the right way.
Henderson straight into the glass of Subasic.England really are
impressing. -- the gloves.
Expecting Croatia to have plenty of session and be comfortable.
If you look at the width they have it is remarkable, wingbacks all the
way back.A very good ball up towards Perisic, there is Mandzukic.
Rakitic. Strinic.
Rakitic. Strinic. Graca Titch spreads the play, but he won't get
to it.Good defensive work from England which is encouraging.
Everybody knows their responsibility. We saw Croatia
against Argentina and they want it very comfortably, 3-0.
Arguably one of the stand out sponsors by any team at the
tournament.Argentina were play with three at the back which was
significant. England looked a completely different team tonight.
Dele Alli, leaving a bit of a mark on Vrsaljko.
Perisic went for it, Jordan Pickford had it covered. Croatia are adamant
there was a touch. Who from? Trippier or Pickford?
Trippier or Pickford?Just off the boot of Kyle Walker. They were
right. That is what he does, Perisic comes off the left-hand side, liked
to hit them with his right foot. England get a throw. And a stroke of
luck, the faintest of touches.From a simple throwing. Modric plays a
ball across the pitch, transfers it really well.
Sterling down, under Vida's challenge, he doesn't get anything
for it and England press on. It will be a Croatia throw in. They wanted
to be smart about it but it didn't work out that way. Left ankle this
time for Kieran Trippier, it was the right in the warm up.
Kind of all of his own doing.Let us hope he is OK, the young man.
Love your definition of young, he is 27, in football terms, that is
getting on for middle age.Everyone is young when you get to my age!
Rebic giving Ashley Young and the slip. The shot is blocked by John
Stones.Brilliant from Stones. The way he moved his feet. He got the
block in. Croatia are starting to click.
Rakitic. Vrsaljko. Bundling through Young. Behind Mandzukic, and cleared
by Walker. Kane blocked off by Lovren.That is a cynical challenge.
Lingard won't be allowed to take the free kick, swiftly getting Kane
away. The referee still dealing with Lovren.Accompanied why they are
arguing, it is a bodycheck. -- I can't believe why they are arguing.
Let us hope he is OK, he is on his feet now.
It will be on his mind, the 31 minutes he last did when Liverpool
went to Wembley last October, Harry Kane and daily Alli in particular.
There is more pressure on him Ott look at that, given away to
Sterling.It has been flagged offside, it may be a blessing. For
once, Harry Kane missed the target, would you believe.It is sloppy from
the goalkeeper, what is he doing? Swings his foot out. Yes, he is
offside.
It is encouraging for England when they press high to get those kind of
results. It affects the Croatians's confidence as well.Subasic is going
to go along. A lovely flick on. An early shot from Perisic, it might
have been better on another day. Good movement from him. He can't get
that on target, a long way out.We talk about Graca Titch and Modric,
understandably, but is he just as important on that side?He is, he is
powerful and strong. He doesn't seem to be bang on it tonight, luckily
for England.Wanted by Manchester United a year ago.
Sterling. And past Vida. He just lost his footing, I don't think he
was going to get to the ball anyway. That is electric pace, the way he
goes through the gears.
Perisic returns it. Trippier was ready and happy to take that for an
England free kick. Another example of how England are getting
streetwise, some won't like the term.It is part of the game.
Strinic drawing the tackle, he wants to get down the left-hand side at
every opportunity. Trippier is equal to it.
Is it too early to clock watch? 24 minutes played. The World Cup
semifinal.
Pickford never lacks confidence. Lingard, it is behind Dele Alli.
Modric has got there to keep it in, presenting the ball to Young. Superb
bit of business from Ante Rebic.But he has undone it. He has shown the
pace he has got and endeavour, just made the wrong selection.
Pickford, clear. Pickford has been impressive. Starting that attack for
Lingard, onto his right foot.
Lingard, onto his right foot.That was missed by Vrsaljko. He made up
for it.
He left Sampdoria to join AC Milan, on a three-year deal last week.
There is the full-back again.
Sterling will set off. He will win the race to the ball. And he needed
support although he has drawn the foul from Dejan Lovren who could not
resist flicking out the boot to win the ball, Sterling was too quick.
Lovren is almost embarrassed. A definite foul. For me he should be
being booked, that is twice now.
Ashley Young will wait for Maguire and Stones to join the attacking
party. Kyle Walker stays back.
Harry Kane is lurking deeper than that. In from Young,
that. In from Young, Subasic does well with it.
Comment from coach Zlatko Dalic about knowing where the England
threat comes from does not mean they will be able to stop it.No, it will
be more of the same every time England get an opportunity.
England get an opportunity. When you score from set pieces you run up as
a central defender with real belief. Pickford with the shimmy away from
Mandzukic.I do not want to see Pickford getting too clever.I think
it is part of his nature.
it is part of his nature. I can imagine you having a word if you're
in the defence in front of him.For sure. Don't get ahead of yourself
young man!I will give you that, he is 24.
AJ to think what you would say if Trent Alexander-Arnold gets on.
Cleared by Pickford.It would not worry me, he is so confident isn't
he?
he?The expression on the face of those two does not change much. Not
one goal goes in that early in the game. They are fully focused on the
game in hand. What a job they are doing.
Harry Maguire not adverse to joining in. Young, taken from him by Rebic
who is a real worker. He is, Ashley Young not take any liberties, this
guy is on him, he is like a rash. He's a winner but he's more likeable
backplane right wing.
There is through to Kane! Kane goes on! It won't go in. It bounced over
the line for a goal kick.
the line for a goal kick. Flagged for offside.
for offside.The initial one, felt he should have scored. Somehow the
keeper gets back to make the save, it's unbelievable.Must've been that
first one, otherwise it's an England corner.
corner.Massive chance there for England.30 minutes played. Croatia
have knocked the ball around but not in areas that can hurt England.
England on top at the moment.
Rebic on the run. He's moved on from the right wing. Vrsaljko on the
flank now.
flank now. Vrsaljko once the return, Modric. Nowhere to go. Rebic.
Stoutly defended, Rebic again! Saved by Pickford. That's the biggest
moment of danger to England's goal. Watch John Stones positioning year,
brilliant. A warning for England. Sterling cannot get past the dark --
Witte
the game is opening up already.It certainly is. Rakitic, Pickford.
Pickford taken out.Rebic ran into him. Not a lot Rebic could have done
about it in fairness.No, we have already talked about a strong yes,
keeps running.He had a neck problem coming into the game, I think he
heard himself going into Pickford.I know the linesman has put his flag
up but perhaps they would have had to bring that back if it had gone
in, but it didn't go in. Incredible save from the goalkeeper.
Unbelievable.
Lovely slide ball through to Dele Alli but could not find Lingard.
Room for Croatia with Perisic. Trying to tease one into Mandzukic,
Rebic on to it but snuffed out by Ashley Young. Every defender for
England has done something of real zero already in the game.He knows
that man is coming in behind him. Modric has taken it quickly.
Vrsaljko. That was Stones. The whistle has gone. England free kick.
Threat level rising.It is and England are having to stand up and
be counted. It comes off Mandzukic's hand.Another good spot by Cuneyt
Cakir. I said he was strict but he's been quite lenient so far. But he's
got pretty much all the calls right. He is picking everything up.
Pickford going berserk because nobody is calling for the ball.
It was a good touch from Young, I thought he'd had a few quiet moments
and that one will give him some confidence.
Dele Alli turns back. Trippier is on to that. Ahead of Perisic. Trippier
in.
Gilmer Croatia are pressing really high.
Young got offered around him. Kane, brilliant take and turn. Dele Alli.
Dele Alli waits the past, Lingard. What a
What a chanceit is great play from Kane. He opens his body up,
completely misses the target.
completely misses the target.Lovely bit of work.That is what is so
encouraging. Kane, the intelligence, the Tarn, the composure he has when
he's running with the ball.
The Croatia fans are trying to raise their volume, left their team.
Henderson looks for Sterling. Vida had to get there.Desperate Vida, a
good run from Sterling, that's what they need to do, keep stretching the
back two. They get a bit isolated, the central defenders.Keep on
making those runs, Raheem Sterling.
Lingard. Sterling. Sterling terms, it hit Vida. Trippier.
So dangerous with Trippier going down that right-hand side.
Man City.
Maguire will go for the safety first approach here. Stones want. He
really does.We are seeing his passing is well in this match.Dele
Alli.
Looking at Walker, Stones and Henderson, have to thank the likes
of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp for the work done every day with
these players. Pochettino two, it could go on.The game has changed,
everybody wants the ball and wants to pass now.Henderson, just going
to bounce away from Jesse Lingard. He's happy till the ball bounce off
his boot.That's the problem for Croatia, Lingard wanting to make
runs into the channel. Sterling and Kane as well.Vrsaljko.
Back in full stride now, Trippier blocking the ball.
Modric wanted it. Lovren did not give him out. Luka Modric not
impressed by that.You've got to give him the ball. What is
impressing me is England know their jobs and responsibilities. They go
back into their five.Modric has not had the ball all that much.He has
not.Came awkwardly off Maguire. Henderson.
Henderson. That is the ugly side of the game that we don't see so often
but sometimes needs must. Jeering from the Russians and the
from the Russians and the crowd for Vida. We will explain that in a
moment. Strinic. Rakitic. Vida again. It's getting louder!
Maguire. That was man against boy. Rebic, he's a strong man as well.
He's just got back at Ashley Young and that was pure revenge on his
mind. It was not Young who got his blood pumping but you could see the
fire was burning after that.Look at him, he's an angry man, going after
revenge. Wants to get a bit of somebody. Stamps on Ashley Young's
foot.Yellow card. Croatia are the team that are picked up more yellows
than any other in the tournament. They are on a dozen, England only
five. The body if they get a yellow in this game would miss the final or
the third versus fourth play-off. Yellow cards wiped after the
quarterfinal stage.
Henderson. Lingard does not get there but Croatia pegged back on
their own half.It's the right idea, just the execution.About Vida, he
is the player who spent five years at Dynamo Kiev before joining
Besiktas of Turkey in January and because of his Ukraine connections
he was under investigation by Fifa for a post on social media after the
win against Russia after which he proudly shouted "Glory to Ukraine"
which is a phrase Russians get quite hot under the collar about.
hot under the collar about. There was even talk at one stage of him
missing this game. Croatia fired their former player now on the
coaching staff for the party played in that, also a man with Kiev
connections.
Another thing which goes in England's favour because a lot of
the neutrals have decided they will go with England for that very
reason.The Russians, such warmth towards us...He is getting it isn't
he?He certainly is. They love their football out here, no doubt about
it.
Modric. Strinic. Mansour
it interesting, Strinic does not stand on ceremony, he just puts the
ball in.He wants to cross at every opportunity.Wide from Vrsaljko.
Trying to read the body language, I know it's too soon to be getting
into all that really but there is a lot of frustration on the faces of
Croatia. England looked very relaxed right now as they would do with the
scoreline as they would do with the scoreline additives.Yes but with
Croatia the amount of talent they have on the pitch you cannot switch
off for a minute. We have seen already if you give them time and
space, switch off or make a mistake, they are ready for it.
they are ready for it.Sterling, it's taken from them by Rakitic.
Sterling back in again, might have been a little late on Perisic but
the referee is happy with it.
Kane working back. Dele Alli. How quick can you move? Left Brozovic
behind but Lovren made no mistake with his challenge.Without him, no
thing as well, seeing something to Dele Alli.He meant that one.I
think he was goading Brozovic how he was running, but he can do that,
he's got good pace, Dele Alli.
Young, to Kane. Dele Alli, to Henderson. Kane.
This team has gone out of the move.
Stones, wasn't quite expecting it like that. Walker, only just enough
on that for Pickford and he was in too much of a hurry. Rakitic,
brilliantly done. Rakitic called John and Walker Queen's him up.
-- Rakitic held on and Walker cleans him up.We brought that up on
ourselves somewhat didn't we?Into added time, one minute more to go.
I think that is evidence, when we are going forward the momentum needs
to keep going, when we go back we invite a little bit of trouble.This
is why Croatia have a free kick, Trippier blocking Strinic. Danger
here for England. With what will be just about the last action of the
first half. Luka Modric free kick to keep out. Mandzukic stands proudly
behind the England defenders, he will move back in a moment. Might be
the main danger. Modric in.
the main danger. Modric in. Lovren will leave it, Rakitic could only
tentatively touch it. Modric. Modric got half a yard away from Henderson
but no further. And Sterling would have to run any further because the
half-time whistle sounded at the Luzhniki Stadium. Croatia have been
getting better as the half went on but England have been holding farm
and started by far and away the better side. Just as the side leave
the field Cuneyt Cakir the referee is just waiting because VAR is
looking at what could be a possible penalty for this at the free kick.
It is Maguire holding onto Lovren. Lovren down.
Lovren down. The referees picked up the ball and he's striding off
towards the halfway line. The check is over and England can breathe
easily again. What a dramatic end to the first half. What O'Brien started
was for England. Kieran Trippier with a perfect free kick, Croatia
0-1 England. It will be Croatia to get the first
kick of the second half. Neither coach has felt moved to make any
changes. To the personnel on the field for the restart. England kept
Croatia waiting a little. Jack Butland a little bit more by warming
up with Jordan Pickford beyond the allotted time. Croatia get going and
immediately Raheem Sterling gives away a free kick too to coastal Luka
Modric. Luka Modric kept quiet so far.Half-time came at just the
right time for England. Gareth Southgate giving an opportunity to
settle the troops down. Croatia seemed to go up a gear in those last
five minutes.
Trippier, winning the header and finding Jesse Lingard with it.
Croatia might work something, smart turn by Rebic. Strinic. Rebic. To
safety by Kyle Walker. Rebic and Perisic have switched sides for now
at least.It is interesting, England keep playing it long and keep
stretching the play and the midfield for Croatia have to keep running
back and mounting attacks from very deep.Strinic. Brozovic finds
Lovren.
It was missed by Maguire, Walker was ready. Trippier makes sure he wins
it. Fouled by Rebic into the bargain.Rebic does not seem to have
too much care for his opponent. Bit of a wild challenge. High up.
England fans in fine voice as they have been through the half-time
interval.
Brozovic headed it back. Strinic under pressure from Kane. Walker
caught by Rebic once more. Is there a lack of clear again? Referee this
time going to his pocket but not to Rebic, it's too Mandzukic forgetting
the hallway. -- for kicking the ball away.It's a flailing arm,
definitely trying to catch Walker. He did not get booked for it, was a
template was booked for it?They are now checking for possible mistaken
identity because on the screens it says Rebic yellow card but it was
clearly given to man is. They are just perhaps going to reverse that
and give the yellow card to Rebic after all.
In dialogue with those in VAR. 18 or 17? One of them has got a yellow
card. The cheque goes on as the game goes on.We were talking when the
players came out, straight into the referee and I thought that is going
to go against them because this referee will get a bit angry and
that is why he has booked someone. Not sure but booked someone.On our
information screen it still says Rebic yellow card but clearly showed
it to Mario Mandzukic. So at the moment we are none that wiser. The
referee might be none the wiser anyway. Graham Poll will be looking
on with interest.
Trippier's throw. Kane. Vida forced Kane all the way into the hoardings.
Croatia's throw. The information screens have been changed and Mario
Mandzukic did get the yellow card. Your mac it must be for dissent, the
referee standing firm on that one. On the basis of topping totting up,
Rebic will be next. Lingard.
Mansour
Pickford has Rebic chasing him down. Kane. Did not work out for him.
Brozovic. Vrsaljko you can go now, you can collect the ball. Doesn't
want to. Dele Alli forcing him back. Done brilliantly.Lovren.Vrsaljko
looks a bit limited to me.He went off with what looked like a bad knee
injury against Russia and all the words where he would miss the game.
I was pretty certain he was going to play.Rebic has been dealt with by
Kyle Walker brilliantly.The jet engine. Just turns on the power.
Look at this.That was the swinging arm, the referee blows his whistle
then Mandzukic does that.Should have booked both of them to be
honest. The referee very clear there.Llanelli game in the
tournament, Nigeria Argentina when there was VAR review for a potential
handball against Marcus Rojo, he looked, stuck to his guns and said
no.
Maguire, too stronger Modric. Kane cannot get involved with that.
Gareth Southgate wants his team to just keep doing what they have been
doing. Not just from the start of this game but the start of the
tournament.Gareth does not overdo it with the praise, comes out,
little clap, enjoys that. Once Maguire coming out at every
opportunity.Vida.
Russian supporters will cotton on to who it is again as they have goes
on. Vrsaljko. Brozovic. Modric. Strinic.
Strinic. Excellent challenge by Walker. Throw for Croatia.
Strinic. Played across by Rebic but too deep. Is there a danger here, is
it all easy and nice at the moment for England or are they on
containment mode right now? They are, but Croatia are not able to do
what they've done in previous matches.England nor the roles and
responsibilities, we talked about that earlier. They are growing in
confidence and there is always an opportunity, ball on the break with
the pace for Sterling, England can punish Croatia again.Cain.
Kane, down to the floor, caught in a Croatian sandwich. Maguire. Dele
Alli. That one has been cut out. Modric.
Modric. England pressed and forced the error.Did well because Maguire
was out of position. That was Henderson again.
Henderson again. Vrsaljko looks like he's fouling Kane there. Hope this
referee stays strong throughout this because he's been asked a question,
every time there is a free kick, Croatian players surrounding him.
Stones. He's lost it. Croatia have the numbers here. A cross comes
Walker, turning on the burners. Frightening isn't it? And now he's
keeping the ball and Croatia are reacting and Kyle Walker is going to
get a yellow card for preventing his opponent from getting on with the
game.I think Walker is seeing the initial tackle, somehow he was
viable. But have to keep our heads here. England's discipline
throughout the tournament has been good. It must remain that way.
Strinic.
Lingard. It's going to be a corner, Lingard protests but he cannot do it
too strongly, the referee 's patience is at its thinnest now.
England have just switched off for a minute here allowing runners to go
for the short corner, that option is being ignored, plenty of options in
the middle. Too much for the referee. Free kick, England.
Maguire is not happy.
Maguire is not happy.John Stones apologises, it was his error near
the halfway line that caused Kyle Walker a booking.
Looking at the cross and Kane getting his head on it. Look at
Lovren just manhandling Maguire. It seems that Lovren can do what he
wants and doesn't get booked. Big deflection on that.
And England corner.It is Kane again and Sterling linking up. Lovren is
in the way.Lingard is full of confidence, he was to shoot whenever
he gets a chance. The England fans, the majority of
which are at the end that England are now attacking, singing and
chanting, hopefully back here on Sunday.
They need this service spot on.
Vida missed it. A little too awkward for Kane.Beautifully engineered by
England, Trippier playing that ball on the full across the box.Lingard
is interested in that.
Brilliant movement.
A goal will come for Rahim stalling -- Sterling.
Maguire cutting that one out. Lovren is forced out by Kane. You can feel
the tension rising only 20 minutes into the second half.On the volley,
across the goal. Great defending. Kane lowers to flick that one in
with his head.
with his head.A burst of deep Croatian noise.
Croatia might feel this is their time.
Sliced awkwardly behind by Kyle Walker, just a bit wild.
He didn't need to launch itself at that one. He could have side footed
it away, a little bit wild.
Keeping a keep -- a keen eye. Two hands on Sterling, the referee has
blown for the free kick soap Lingard cannot surge away. That was
completely and necessary from the Croatian players. I understand the
need to get on with a game but the bumping and barging into Jesse
Lingard, again, lenient refereeing but at least he saw it.You
sometimes wonder who is refereeing the match, is it Lovren or the
referee?Lingard just about kept the lid on. Liverpool versus Manchester
United, right there.
Modric, deep in midfield.
Hit by Rakitic but he has hit the much better than that throughout his
career.
The Croatian supporters are buoyed by the extra tempo, there is a bit
more urgency about their play now. At a critical stage of the game,
just on the hour. There might be substitutions from Croatia if they
don't score in the next ten minutes.
Modric was pursued by Dele Alli.
Vrsaljko, surely won't get to that.
England have negotiated 16 second-half minutes successfully.
Interesting how high up the pitch Harry Kane is going, drawing the
whole Croatian team backwards, such a big area for their midfield to
operate, look how deep they are. I would have them nearer the halfway
line.
Sterling going in to worry Brozovic forcing him to give the ball away. A
challenge by Rebic. Vida has put it out now.
A scrap between Henderson and Rebic. Henderson got it back, found
Sterling. Down under Vida's challenge. Nobody joined him.
Mandzukic got it through Walker, Walker should beat him in a foot
race. Pickford, away. Mandzukic went into him, and Jordan Pickford put
his hand out to say, it is OK, and Mandzukic wasn't having it.
Sterling. Does he get a knock or does he fall over? Is there contact.
Scampering across.Both boots might have met the ball at the same time.
We saw a sign of how frustrated Croatia are. A little exchange
between Pickford and Mandzukic. Pickford was not in the wrong, he
was trying to be the peace maker.
Ashley Young waiting to stop the cross.
Sterling has to stay onside, I don't think he has managed it. The
Russians in the crowd have woken up to Vida's presents again.They need
to make one of these breaks count. Indecisiveness for the first time.
This is the charge that England knew would come at some point.
would come at some point. Modric across, Stones away, there was
Perisic, and he had another go but could not get to it. England's
Yorkshire stone wall was firm again.
The whistle has gone, free kick for England, Kane was fouled as he came
to get the ball. We are going to see some tackles now. In the meantime,
the BA art is checking for a possible penalty. -- VAR. Kyle
Walker needs treatment. It was Perisic. It hit Lingard and came off
the midriff of Walker. There is no hand there.It is that second
challenge.Definitely no hand. Is it Lingard and Perisic? It is a check
over.
over. These screens have been invaluable in commentary but
sometimes I don't want to look.We saw some Sheffield Steele. Really
good defending. England putting their bodies on the line, they
needed to. We knew Croatia would come at them.
Time to have a drink for those who can get across to the halfway line.
There will be dry mouths all over. We are approaching the midway point
of the second half. Kieran Trippier's with a superb fifth
minute free kick.
You can sense Croatia upping the ante in terms of their physicality
and aggression.We are holding their breath every time they go on the
attack. A lot of pride in this English team. Puffing their chests
out performing very well.
Managing to find Kane. He gets it into the side net. Vida did what he
had to do.Trippier, how he got the ball to him, he hits the side
netting. Keeps the goalkeeper honest.
A quarter of the game to go.
Every second will feel like an hour while it stays like this.
What a cross, and it is turned in. Perisic came in to score!
England's defence has finally been caught, Perisic's finish was
red-hot.
Look at this for a ball in, Perisic gets ahead of Walker, gets a foot to
it, incredible. Anywhere else on the pitch and you would say it is a free
kick because he is up there with his foot. A great ball in from the
full-back. He gets there a fraction ahead of Walker.Real desire to get
to that. Ivan Perisic chip is a big game player, six goals he has scored
at European Championship and World Cups. What a massive one that is.
England's turn to be frustrated. People may have said that was the
one witness for Walker playing as full-backs, winning those headers.
Perisic switched wings and caught him unawares.
Raheem Sterling, he has pushed it too far away from Lingard. Lingard
looking immediately to respond. Hold onto your hats, what a ride the next
20 minutes will be.
Just got to regroup now, England. I wonder if Southgate will make any
changes.There was a line from the man who wrecked England's 2008
qualifying hopes in Wembley all that time ago, Steve McLaren comic he
said he thought Perisic would crush England. He has certainly dampened
spirits now. But not bears, they are delighted.
delighted. -- not theirs. It seems a long time ago since Harry Kane
scored.A lifetime ago.
scored.A lifetime ago.England need to get his shooting boots back on.
Trippier all over Strinic, and vice versa.
Steve Holland has just made the call, we might see Marcus Ashford
shortly. There is Pickford. A stumble from
Henderson. Maguire is having a look, Pickford is coming out for it and
there is Perisic. With a shimmy and the shot. Pickford who holds.
the shot. Pickford who holds. Ivan Perisic is causing mayhem.We keep
going back to the goalkeeper and we are bringing these problems on
ourselves.Feel the Croatian heat from their supporters.Definitely.
That ball could have gone anywhere. It lands up in the goalkeeper's
hands.It looks as if both teams are thinking about a change, Marcus bash
with is getting detailed instructions from Allan Russell. I
think Walker is limping. Croatia macro -- Croatia continued to boss
the ball. Perisic from the left again.
Rakitic, Dele Alli keeps a cool head.
Croatia winning it back, it is Modric.
He wants more.
Knocking the ball about in the little triangles we have seen them
do often. Now, a Croatian corner. England aren't going to make the
change just yet. Not for a corner. Raheem Sterling has been told to
hang fire. He is the player going off. The corner is taken short,
England didn't seem ready. Headed away, Brozovic was onto it.He
really did hit it. The England players are incensed.
He just hit it from distance. Fortunately over the bar.Sterling
is off the field. A brilliant shift, Marcus Rashford on to do his job.
Pickford need to take his time, there is a momentum with Croatia. We
need to take them out of their stride.
Getting Rashford going immediately. There is the Manchester United man.
Rashford against Lovren. Rashford in, it is over Dele Alli. It didn't
reach Trippier.
Just getting rid of the ball in time. England have to keep probing,
looking for the opening, don't go backwards.
Trippier got caught in two minds. Hold down the line by Perisic.
It wouldn't run out of play for Kyle Walker. Out for a Croatian throw
with Perisic urging more from the supporters.They are smothering us
with their passing game. Mandzukic keeps running into the channel at
every opportunity.
Vrsaljko, collected by Rebic. A crucial tackle by Walker on Perisic.
Dele Alli up with Modric and Henderson to get it away, Rashford
is on the run. Rashford still running but offside. Have you are
seen a team change as quickly as this is Croatia have done, from
being surly to having a swagger. They are taking the game to England
now with an aggressive approach. They had some joy. They sense
England are rocking. Rashford on the break is something special. Get him
into that channel, one on one, and I would fancy him.
Pickford was waiting, he tucked it away from Rebic and finds Ashley
Young.He did well, Pickford.
I am all for excitement but this cannot be good for your health!
Vida is out, he knows he has to get there quickly because he won't win
the race. Trippier quickly into Kane, a smart throw. Lingard.
Neither cross no shot, staying in, Dele Alli can't keep the ball in.
Give him credit, Lingard, such a willing runner.He doesn't quite get
his head up to see Dele Alli into the six yard rocks.An impossible
angle to score from there. -- six yard box.
Rashford with a trick or two and another.
Henderson shooting now, it was never on.Frustrating. Henderson, it won't
fall for him to hit it. Almost impossible when it comes back, that
thing in front of him. He can't keep it down.
it down. -- bouncing in front of him. A positive response. It hits
the post, comes back out, into Pickford's arms.Perisic hitting the
inside of the post, he did it against Russia. He has found the net
today. He didn't find anybody with that one.
He looks much better on the left-hand side. That is where he has
moved to. This is him again. Where he hits the post.England were lucky
all Rebic could do was pop it to Pickford.
Pickford had to go along. Croatia have been doing but England did them
to the other end. -- did to them.
And he didn't quite make it in time. You wonder if Rashford has got that
moment in him. That moment of greatness.
You would not believe the noise around this stadium. Croatia being
cancelled out by the English national anthem by the fans now.
Stones is not happy, I do feel for him. Again, Rebic leaning on him.
Croatia have come back in this game brilliantly. They seem to go behind
in every match they play. There is a real strength about this
team.
Trippier, Pickford nearly put England back into a hole.You cannot
do that at this level.
No way through.
Just going through a spell when England's call heads have melted.
Each time it is when we try to go backwards to our goalkeeper, it
invites the opposition on to you. Keep passing forward.
Keep passing forward. Tactically, and looking at a replay, a backpass
again. In the end Pickford was not ready.They get lucky once more.
Walker did well.
Indicating he is going for the big Tom forward, looking for Mandzukic
to win it. Strinic jumped ahead of him to put him off.
Backwards again.
Coming his way once more with Rakitic who died incredibly well to
keep it, Perisic with the ball in, Pickford holes and calms himself
down.
down. -- holds.
Modric having more of the ball, using it so well. Played into
Mandzukic who takes it down. Pickford made the save look
effortless. One of the most lethal marksman in the European game. And
Rashford nearly awake at the other end.
End to end stuff almost like a basketball match now.I think
Croatia are pretty good at basketball.
The movement from Mandzukic. England have to be careful in that box.
Another one flung over four Perisic to attack. Mandzukic jumps with
Pickford and it is over the top. Mario Mandzukic is starting to be a
big danger for England.This one is really hung up. Pickford comes for
it. For me that is a foul. He is trying to back in. Such quality that
they have. Look at his touch. He stands up well, the goalkeeper.
Scored his first international goal against England nearly ten years
ago. And England won in Zagreb, Theo Walcott hat-trick.
The needle is grown in this. I look forward to the autumn, these teams
meet in the Uefa nations League.
A good idea. Really good run from Rebic. Getting in behind Maguire.
Rebic. Getting in behind Maguire.No doubt it is Croatia on top.
The passing is not as crisp.It's not but we have to concentrate on
retaining the ball.Henderson has to watch the bounce, did well against
Mandzukic. Young.
Perisic picks Henderson's pocket. They suddenly look sharper than us,
particularly in midfield.Vida, don the Croatian supporters know it.
Strinic. There is a gap. He's gone for it and he keeps going through
it.
Big let off.
Steve Holland and Gareth Southgate are trying to work things out.
Trying to make sense of the tactics and they just keep on throwing
player after player forward. The full-back this time, Strinic on that
run. It's difficult for England with that overload.
that overload.Overloaded and a little bit overawed at the moment.
Rashford will run at this, try to force the mistake from Vida and he
was concerned enough to do that with it.That is a top international
player panicking because he's frightened of the pace around him.
Kane to Lingard, it would not stick.
It was just his touch which let him down, Lingard. Incisive passing
again. It only takes a moment bring wants to get through on goal. Have
to keep believing that.
Trying to force Subasic to go along again and he does.
again and he does.It's like a tactical game of football chess when
you see ball from that distance, that angle on the pitch.If chess
involves this much stress it's not for me! I thought that was a genteel
game.
game. Strinic being pulled this way and that by Lingard.
and that by Lingard.He's a fighter. He his opponent is letting the ball
run out, not making an attempt to play it.
Lovren, rolled up his sleeve metaphorically and dealt with his
Harry Kane demons brilliantly today, the Liverpool defender. Mandzukic.
It works it to Rebic, nobody there. Two minutes of the 90 to go.This is
hard graft I can tell you. Rebic, they are like robots, the white
players. They just keep running, full of energy. But it will be
carting them as well, up against a team like this having to dig in, us
or them and it's not going to be them.They might be going to extra
time for the third game in a row. Getting close to next goal wins
territory. Strinic.
territory. Strinic. Croatia have command of the ball. And they have
had for large parts of the second half. Modric. Brozovic.
half. Modric. Brozovic. Mandzukic wanted played in. Stones sticking
close to him. He is in front and Walker behind. Modric, Vida.
Rakitic. Strinic.
Rakitic. Strinic. Cross blocked by Trippier. Rebic.
Strinic.
Croatia knocking it around beautifully, trying to pull England
this way and that. Something may be on the Lovren, he thinks so. Others
thought not. Luka Modric has had a word.He saw the headlines. Even
they are laughing. A souvenir for somebody in row Z.There is another
ball in play, don't worry about that.
Only three minutes. To be added on.
Would not want to be the player who made the mistake that cost the World
Cup semifinal. Rashford put the pressure on and forced Vida to put
it out.Brilliant, we can mount an attack from here.
attack from here. You. Rashford. He's come into the game so full of
confidence. Rakitic got a hold of the arm, chance for England to put
the ball into the box. All board the train again. Wonderful feat.
It will be Trippier again.
Everybody back for Croatia.
Rashford, Henderson, Stones, Dele Alli, Maguire and Kane just staying
out of it at the moment.Maguire having a look, seeing where he wants
it.The Croatian guard are ready. Kieran Trippier is ready. He pops it
in but it's headed wide by Kane. Did not see a lot of it is a game
overheads.
Just seems to head it down into the ground and a lot of grappling going
on. Almost takes his eye off it. Sees it perhaps just a little too
late.
Lovren needs a helping hand.
Lovren challenging with Dele Alli. Another big lad in there. He's done
well, Lovren, tonight.We're into the third minute of injury time.
Customers will be going nowhere in the pubs at home.
Strinic with the throw. They are to be one last Croatia Raid?
Rakitic. Modric find Strinic. The Perisic, who's made such a
difference, scored equalising goal. Cannot successfully cross there.
Croatia have worked her way back from being behind at half-time. They
might feel they are unlucky not to have gone on and totally turned it
round. As it is, maybe some of their momentum has died off a little.
Maybe England can regroup. They are going to have two, huge half hour
ahead. We are going into extra time, because at full-time it is Croatia
1-1 England.
Second England substitution for the start of extra time, straight swap
down the left-hand side with Ashley Young off and Danny Rose on.
Danny Rose who was born two days before the last World Cup semifinal
in 1990. And just like 1990 it's gone to extra time with who knows
what? We know what lies beyond. I think the hope for many and heart
rates is that it will not go all that far. Then again, England or
masters at penalties now! So our Croatia.Let's hope it doesn't come
to that.That went out. It ought to have been an England corner.What is
the linesman doing?He got a good view of it. John Stones. Fans just
getting their breath back. Rallying themselves for the end. Big parts to
play. Lingard. Rashford. Two changes made by Gareth Southgate, he can
make another two. Croatia have four left in the bag.
When it goes to extra time in the World Cup you can make an extra
substitution. Croatia have not made any yet. Kyle Walker.
Headed out for an angle on the throw.The
throw.The ultimate test, physically and mentally. Interesting to see how
well they are prepared, these England players.Henderson.
Walker. Up towards Rashford. Vida tight to him. England getting more
possession and using the ball a lot more nicely at the start of extra
time than they did in the second half. Here is Rashford, Lingard,
Rashford could not get onto the return. Maguire. Dele Alli. Close
enough to Lingard. Seemed like a tired pass.It did but I think
Croatia have come out of this second, this first period of extra
time, just look a little slow on what they are doing. That's another
foul by Rebic. And he's thrown the ball away but it doesn't seem to
matter.Is that cramp? That is the groin, Ivan Strinic.
Shake of ahead suggests that as race run.He is off. They've already got
Josip Pivaric ready. Left-back for a left-back. He's a player who with
their game seemingly won against Russia gave away a free kick for
handball, Russia equalised and took it to penalties. He will not want to
be villain again.
Lengthy delay. At this point do you have to keep moving? Because this is
when cramp can come. Strinic has got injured and immediately he has had a
break, we thought the Croatian players looked a bit slow and
ponderous, you've got a keep people moving. Keep stretching, get the
right fluids in. He is a bit of trouble. I think it's more than
cramp.Immediately went to the right side of the groin. Has been troubled
by thigh injury.
Pivaric over to his familiar left-back duties.To be honest
Strinic has been a real pain for England. He keeps raining crosses
in. Might be a benefit that he's gone off.
Dele Alli will get onto that. Touch from Modric, no Danny Rose. He's
taken out. Rebic again. Finally he does get booked.
does get booked.You can see, it's a lunge. Late taking off after that
one. Danny Rose fresh legs, burst onto it.Got a red card at the last
World Cup, four years ago. Sent off against Mexico. Five six offences
today.
Five six offences today.
Not committing great numbers forward but John Stones has got the green
light. Maguire is already there and Lingard will add his nuisance value
into the mix. Where is it going? Maguire looks favourite. Expect them
to head this across goal if he wins it.Maguire went forward and the
referee brings it all to a halt.I'm not sure what the referee has seen.
The Maguire wins the ball and there is an arm in the air.Jordan
Henderson is going off with Eric Dier coming on. Maguire has just got
his arm around Vrsaljko.
Done well again, Henderson.His hamstring has been troubling him in
the build-up to the game.He's covered a lot of ground for his
team.Eric Dier immediately comes on with a message to his defenders,
talk to me.He came on of course in the Colombia game. Did not quite
pick up the pace, let's hope he's better tonight.Might be needed for
a key fifth penalty.
Needs to be strong under pressure and he is, Dele Alli. Danny Rose.
Rashford is on his bike, Rose. Nowhere to go for him now. But he's
found a way to Lingard. That is ballooned wide.Better from England.
Much more positive, Rose bursting down the left-hand side. Really
looks quite doesn't he? Dier with the confidence to shoot from
distance.Trippier with the corner.
Same routine. One or two different players. Over it comes, towards
Stones. Brilliant header off the line.
And Lovren is away with the ball and a bit of afters. Between Rashford
and I think Vrsaljko and I think it was his superb clearance which just
denied England a second goal.It was, drops back into the goal. Goes
back end to anticipate. It's a great clearance from him. Stones things he
scored.
Much better from England. Started this extra time period the better
team.
Subasic. Awkwardly off the head of Trippier. Referee dealing there was
a push anyway. As Croatia get ready to make another change
to make another change with Andrej Kramaric Reading to come on.Making
diagonal lines, diagonal runs. Thinking about pace for the rest of
the game, how fit is Jamie Vardy?If there is a decision to make he's
come through the training. We've not seen Danny Welbeck for a while.
Another option.Just one option left. Eric Dier. The passive aids
Perisic. Lingard.
Perisic. Lingard. Vida the villain of the piece as far as many neutrals
are concerned that he's defended brilliantly for Croatia.
Rashford coming to slide in. Took the ball and the man, free kick
Croatia.
They will make their change now. Would be amazed if it's not Rebic
going off, it is the number 18. Number nine Andrej Kramaric will
come on.I think rewired was making most that one. Not really sure it
was a free kick if you look at it in slow motion.Kramaric has done well
for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga having struggled to break through at
Leicester City. For all that he says he has fond memories of his time in
the East Midlands. Scored against Russia.
He can finish.
Modric can deliver.
Brozovic, took Danny Rose out with that. He's gone down in a heap which
has left the gap for Kramaric. Modric.
Modric. Got mixed up with the message from brain defeat but
recovers.Just quick enough to deal with Rashford on the counterattack.
But Danny Rose was suddenly going to go off injured, it was bizarre.Hit
his head but I think the muscle locked up at the same time.He only
just came on.Stones. Walker.
Danny Rose. Who's in the middle? Lovren for Croatia. Maguire.
Stones with a big shout to Eric Dier to leave it be.We could hear it up
here on the gantry. That's what you want, people taking charge. Maguire
going forward very well you have to say. But just might leave us a bit
short at the back.Danny Rose with the holes cut out of his socks.A
few of the Croatian players are looking tired, particularly Modric.
Walker.
Trippier with the throw to Lingard. Lingard gets very lucky. Gifted that
the Modric just for a moment. Rose. Lovren heads another one out of
harms way. Rakitic. Kane had a little tug at him, free kick
Croatia.
Really? Could not wait to lie down there could he?
Rakitic. Dictating things more than Modric right now. Modric again a bit
tired. Dele Alli easily blocks. Looks tired, Modric. Dele Alli still
full of running.
Interesting, Eric Dier picking up the pace a lot better this time
around off the bench.Rewired.
Trippier right, Kane going the other way looking for Dele Alli. It breaks
down for England.Jones the wrong option, Rashford bursting through
the middle.Added time in extra time, mainly for the Strinic injury,
two minutes.
Modric.
That's gone out. Danny Rose in a hurry to get back in.Modric again,
sloppy.Kane, great ball, Dele Alli felt he was taken out by Vrsaljko.
Modric. Brilliant ball, it took out Kieran Trippier. Played in towards
Kramaric. Stones, that's going to come down with snow on it.
Croatia ending the first half of extra time strongly. Three in the
box for this. Modric misses it. Rashford. Justin Pugh did. Vrsaljko
did just enough.That is where Rashford just needs to be a bit more
clever and by the free kick for his team.Croatia come again. Perisic.
In towards, what by Pickford! It was a wonderful ball. Mandzukic was onto
it, Pickford was onto him.Brave goalkeeping. What ball this is by
the way. Man is a kick with a great run but outcome is a keeper. Brave
and determined, what a save with his foot.Jordan Pickford may have just
kept England interested in the World Cup final. No love lost between him
and Mario Mandzukic as the game has gone on.Hasn't Pickford grown in
stature in this World Cup.Croatia's main marksman may have to go off.
More time added on to this first half of extra time.He is holding
the inside of his knee, it might be the medial ligament.
This was when Dele Alli thought he was caught. Gets in on the back of
the ankle, then the Achilles. Just catches him.
catches him.May be the referee getting tired, a few things being
missed.A lot of stuff going Croatia's way.When Mandzukic gets
back to his feet he might play a prominent part in the corner Croatia
have to end this first period of extra time.The keeper coming out,
really strong. Gets one there, Mandzukic. England need to focus
back in again.Big hand in the penalty shoot out against Colombia,
and his good saves against Sweden but that might be his best yet. The
Kramaric has come short for the corner. Modric trying to get the
angle. Trippier jockeying. Modric making progress.
making progress. Running out of time, Croatia. That'll do it for the
first half of extra time. 15 more minutes, penalty shoot out is
looming large. But there is more drama to come before them. Croatia
1-1 in England.
Croatia will get the second period of extra time started with Perisic
who has been nursed our artist in this game are urging their
supporters for a bit more. It is England fans were giving it a bit
more. England had marginally the better of that first 15 minutes but
nothing to show for it. Marcus Rashford will run at Lovren. And
sadistic bogey Subasic, and make hurry.
Good work. Don't forget he is carrying a hamstring injury. Make
him work as much as we can.Walker, to Pickford. Mandzukic in his way.
That's a bit of a wild clearance. Wanted it played back to his left
foot but it was played to his right.
It came off Lingard, he has got a corner.This is where you have to
keep concentrating. The ball comes into the box, deflection for the
corner. All the detail, the hours on the training pitch makes it
worthwhile, knowing your jobs.This is where mental fatigue plays a big
part. Look at the run, the referee didn't see it. England did not seek
Brozovic, nor did the referee. Good job he didn't see the goal properly.
Lingard on the edge of the box just switches off. A bit of imagination.
That is what we are talking about. Expect the unexpected.
Expect the unexpected.A hopeful one, easy for Vida.
Withstanding the challenge of John Stones. He has been immense in the
centre of defence, a perfect position for him.
Back in by Perisic, there is Mandzukic! The master marksman.
A quite brilliant finish from Mario Mandzukic.
Has that finished off England's World Cup?It is a ball into the
box. If you look at the movement, Mandzukic steals a march, a flick
on, gets in behind Stones, on it in a flash. We just switch off. Stones
in behind him. He won't miss from there.
Nothing Jordan Pickford could do about that. Mario Mandzukic scored
his first ever international goal against England. He has got 32 now.
That is one of his most important of all.
all. What have England got left?
There will be time added on. We have waited an age to start the match
again.The photographers were swamped by every single Croatian
player.
At international level, you switch off for a moment, you get punished
by top quality plays. We thought Mandzukic was good of, but he came
back with that.
Super Cech with the clearance. -- Subasic. The ball into the box that
Mario Fernandez scored... Can England do the same?
Can England do the same? Pickford, up, up and away. Kane helped it on,
Rashford tried to get there. Jamie Vardy is going to be thrown on for
England.Pace, pace, pace. Southgate has got to do it.
Kyle Walker is the player to make way.
It is a gamble time. Last through time. Is it Jamie Vardy time?
Rashford has been commandeered to go on the left-hand side, Vardy will
play on the right, either side of Harry Kane.
Rashford will get there.
Taken away from Kane by Modric. Mandzukic is down. The ball bouncing
out for an England a throw in. They will get on with it. Danny Rose. The
Croatia fans are booing but there is no need to stop the play. Subasic
did really well with it. Now, the referee will see if Mario Mandzukic
needs some attention.
Harry Maguire has decided it is not enough.Is he suddenly all right?
Let us be honest, everybody does it. There is some major gamesmanship,
they are probably best at it in the competition.
Seven minutes to go plus whatever is added on.
Subasic Dublin four Perisic. He has been outstanding. A lovely turn from
Pivaric. A nice little shimmy through as well.
Modric has got some new-found energy. He took a risk with that
ball to Rakitic. The goal has given an extra energy. They are strolling
around the field.
around the field. Pivaric on the outside that aside, he pulls back,
the shot is deflected behind for a corner and they will take plenty of
time about it. Mandzukic is going to come off now. Experienced
centre-back to come on, Vedran Corluka, formerly of Manchester City
and Spurs.
But he has had his moment.You have to hand it to him. He was there at
the right time. A wonderful finish.
He does get through an incredible amount of work, he is occupying the
whole of the back three for England. He is an awkward customer, a scruffy
finisher.Your former Arsenal team-mate and president of the
Croatian FA only he has called more than Mandzukic. This will raise the
pain if Croatia and on of 1998 and their exit to France.I don't think
he scored more important goal and he has today, Mandzukic.On comes
Corluka. A native of Moscow these days, playing here for six years.
England have made all of their changes and have a real problem
because Kieron Trippier can hardly move.
That is a disaster.I think England will have to finish the game with
ten men. Trippier, there is no way back from that.
Pickford cannot hold it. Very quick to regain it under pressure from
Vida. Five minutes for the ten men. That ball will have to be cleared
again by Jordan Pickford. Kieran Trippier is helped around the side
of the field. His World Cup is over. We think. Kane. Joel Walker.
Maguire. Dele Alli. England need a moment of magic. Does not matter who
it comes from. Dele Alli is taken out. Free kick. No Trippier to put
it in, no Ashley Young either. Whose job is it now?
job is it now?We need one of these free kicks to come off.It's got to
be Rashford.It's got to be right. Might be better working another
angle rather than putting it straight in there, but let's see.
Maguire jumps. It's gone the heads for a Croatia goal kick. England
claim it should be a corner. There was a flick on that.
was a flick on that. Croatia are going to make the final change. The
referee is unmoved. Let's take a look. It came off Lovren.
Definitely. That happened more than once today.
Luka Modric is of which suggest Croatia think they have got the job
done.
done. On comes Badelj to see Croatia through to the first-ever World Cup
final. A nation of just over 4 million people. A fiery and fighting
nation and they have scrapped here.
Maguire.
Pickford. To Eric Dier. Tremendous leap from Jamie Vardy but could not
deliver the header. Stones. Maguire. How far can he bundle through? Not
very. Kramaric.
very. Kramaric. Croatia will just try to keep the ball but have carved
a way through, this is to seal it. No and Perisic was beautifully
placed. But Kramaric went for glory. Kieran Trippier cannot contain the
tears. Shades of Gaza.It's a really gallant effort from England, they
are giving it everything here.Is there time for one last opportunity?
They are growing in my admiration, the way they are going for it.Danny
Rose. It's got to go in. It's got to be delivered. Rose gets it in.
Croatia get it out. Four more minutes.
minutes. That might put a spring in the step.
England only have ten players on the field. Marcus Rashford loss
controlled for a second. Able to win it and run away with it, Croatia.
Rashford is after him. Rakitic. And again. Free kick England.
again. Free kick England. The whistle just stops tempers, Dele
Alli involved with Rakitic. They need to let go of one another.
Rakitic not letting go of Ali. He wants to get on with the game.Frank
Dick signalling from the Croatia bench. All Gareth Southgate can do
is watch and hope.His players are scrapping for their lives.Eric Dier
looking for a Kane to get it but it's too close to Subasic. He will
do what every goalkeeper would do having just caught the ball at this
stage.
Maximum height and distance. Eric Dier. Vardy. Vardy is adjudged to
have jumped in. Free kick Croatia. Who are two minutes away.
Who are two minutes away.They have given everything haven't they?
given everything haven't they? Still up for it, the boys. Just losing the
momentum now, this injury. Time ticking away, starting to sink in.
Pickford will go long, surely, no, quick roll-out to Dele Alli.
Rose has nobody to throw too, has to go back to Dele Alli who has to go
back to Pickford. Three minutes of added time are up. One more minutes
to play. Lingard. Maguire is an extra striker. Harry Kane. Dele
Alli. Dele Alli could not get through. Handball. Blocked by
Badelj. This is really at, this is last chance time. Those Jordan
Pickford go? England may have ten on the field don't forget.He's got to
go up.He has to do, just for an extra body. This is it. This is it.
He is staying back in the centre circle. Has not got the green light
from the manager.
from the manager.He's telling him to stay. He is asking the question,
this is just got to be a good ball in to Maguire, if they put their
hands on him it could be a penalty. The last bit of drama of the match.
England have to score.We need the quality, it's got to be a good ball.
It is Rashford. It's headed away. Croatia can run away. And history is
made. As Croatia reach the World Cup final for the very first time.
final for the very first time. After all that effort, all that energy,
the ghost of 66 lives on for England.
They have given it such a good go. There is real hope for the future.
But it's Croatia's night in Moscow. They will have another go on Sunday
against France. Journey 's end for England. For now, yes. But we might
have seen enough year in Russia to suggest that this is just the start.
Congratulations to Croatia. The win, 2-1. STUDIO: There you go, I'm
afraid the dream is over, football is not coming home. Not for England
anyway, the World Cup final is on BBC One at 3pm on Sunday.