This is the last match prior to the 2018 final. France will meet today’s winner on Sunday.
England wasted no time and scored their first goal in the 5th minute on a direct kick from 20 yards. The shot curved over the defensive wall giving the keeper no chance.
The remainder of the first half concluded without significant event.
The pace of the match in the second half began furiously. The center referee was needed to slow the aggression by both sides.
Croatia tied the match with a goal in the 67th minute. The pace remained ping-pong like with neither team establishing control.
The half required 3 minutes of stoppage time. England was given a free kick opportunity in the 92nd minute without success. Regulation time expired. This semi-final required extra time.
The first 15 minutes began slowly as Croatia required an injury substitution. Croatia required an additional substitution in the 100th minute. England finally began to establish possession.
The second 15 minutes finally began after a sluggish first 15 minutes.
Croatia takes the lead in the 108th minute. England has 11 minutes to save their hopes of reaching the final against France. Time expires. Croatia advances to face France on Sunday.