There will be a little bit of Italy in the last act of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Inter's Perisic and Juventus player Mandzukic score the two goals that defeat England and give Croatia their first historic final. 20 years after the third place obtained in France '98 – their best result ever so far – on Sunday the Croatians will find Deuchamps' cockerels on their way, victorious on Tuesday in the other semi-final against Belgium.
In the semi-final of 1998, a brace from Thuram bent the Croatians, handing over the final against Brazil to the French, who once again arrived at the appointment as favourites. Not so much for the difference in talent (on this front the Croatian midfield fears no rivals), but for the better physical condition, considering that Croatia is back from two victories on penalties and one in extra time.
In the semifinal, moreover, it was the English who took the lead, scoring after 3 minutes with a free-kick under Trippier's cross. In the first half His Majesty's Lions play better and have the opportunity to double, but a more cumbersome Kane than usual incredibly fails a double chance in front of Subasic.
After the intermission, the music changes. England holed up in the most exasperated bolt giving up on producing other shots on goal, while Croatia gradually gained ground. The equalizer was signed by Perisic with an Ibrahimovic-style split: the English shouted dangerous play, but the defender was too late for the referee to blow his whistle for a foul.
Before the final whistle, there's time for another couple of Croatian chances. The most sensational, a post hit again by Perisic after a personal action enhanced by a magnificent double step.
The goal that decides the match, however, comes in the first overtime. After spending the whole game in a condition close to apathy, Mandzukic lights up at the right moment. In the 108th minute the Juve striker burns his marker on the shot, collects an assist with the usual Perisic header and unloads his left foot on goal.
There would be time to recover, but England couldn't create even one chance for a draw. The final will be Croatia-France.
