Croatia into first ever World Cup final after beating England 2-1
Croatia fans have cried tears of joy after their country reached the FIFA World Cup final for the first time ever.
The side came from behind to beat England 2-1 on Thursday night, in a thrilling match that went into extra time.
The Three Lions led for most of the game thanks to a Kieran Trippier free kick in the fifth minute.
England continued to dominate the opening half, before a determined Croatia returned to the pitch in the second half with Ivan Perisic finding the back of the net in the 68th minute.
The scores remained locked for the rest of the regular time, with the side forced to play on.
It was in the 109th minute that Mario Mandzukic scored, sending the Balkan nation into raptures.
GOOOOOAAAALLLL! 2-1 Croatia! Mandzukic scores! And a kiss for a cameraman! #WorldCup #CROENG pic.twitter.com/hAK2X22apg
— SBS – The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 11, 2018
Croatia will now face France in the final on Monday morning (AEST), with England and Belgium to play off for third place.
Croatia (population: 4.2million) are the smallest country to play in a #WorldCup final since Uruguay in 1950! ⚽???
What an incredible sporting achievement! WATCH all the emotional scenes at the final whistle here! #CROENG pic.twitter.com/yqZT1S3ocX— SBS – The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 11, 2018
