It's not coming home Bits.
This sport is an unpredictable and fickle one. When you're sure something will happen, many times it doesn't. Such was the case in Croatia's 2-1 win over England, Wednesday.
The fans of England invaded Moscow and Luzniki Stadium in hopes of witnessing their once again beloved team reach a World Cup Final for the first time in 52 years. These young lions have recaptured the countries pride for the first time in a very long time. England fans created a wall of noise to start the match and through most of the first half. Their opposition came into this match with much more experience in pressure situations and mileage under its belt. The Croats weren't going to buckle under this atmosphere. They were going to create their own history by making their first World Cup Final in their history after only five World Cup appearances.
England got off to a quick, swift start. It only took until the fifth minute for first blood to be shed. Croatian captain; Luka Modric, fouled Dele Alli just outside of the box. Kieran Trippier looped the ball over the Croatian wall into the upper right side of the net. The English continued to apply the pressure. Harry Maguire just missed a header from a corner kick in the 14th minute. Raheem Sterling was cutting through the Croatians quickly, giving England opportunities. Harry Kane came as close as possible to put England up a pair in the 30th minute. Kane shot and took the rebound off of Croatian keeper; Danijel Subasic, off of the near post and then off Subasic's leg. England keeper; Jordan Pickford, was making great placements with his volleys up to this point, creating more English chances.
But Croatia eventually did settle down and began to enjoy some possession. Croatia's speed in their wingers was beginning to trouble England and their very strong midfielder group was figuring the situation out. Pickford made a strong save on Ante Rebic in the 32nd minute. Croatia increasingly controlled the ball towards the end of the half. Many times when England took possession, they relied on Pickford to set them up, but the Croatians began to telegraph that, leading to a chance.
All in all; an even first half other than the one goal English lead. The scale tipped drastically in the second half in Croatia's favor. The game started getting a bit contentious at the beginning of the half with pushing and shoving. The referee let them play, keeping the cards in his pocket so far. Both teams were lobbying for penalties and their could have been a few called before this stage of the game.
Croatia had yet to move up into the box, only using Mario Manduzic, but that began to change. After a Croatian chance in the 65th minute, they got the equalizer in the 68th minute with a long cross to Ivan Perisic. The goal seemed to panic England as Croatia began to dominate. The English were becoming sloppy in front of their own goal and found it difficult to string two or three passes together. Croatia had several chances to take a lead before 90 minutes. Pickford with a strong save on Manduzic in the 83rd. Perisic skied a ball over the empty net in the 84th. Croatia had an extended buildup as time ticked down on regulation.
England needed the second half to expire in a big way in order to regroup. They settled down and looked much better in the first half of extra time. Croatia had yet to make a substitution and England only brought in Marcus Rashford. Gareth Southgate would bring in Danny Rose and Eric Dier, moves that helped England immensely and probably should have brought them in the middle of the second half. Croatia began to pressure once again starting in the 98th minute as Pickford made a great leg save against Manduzic. The Croatian took a knock by colliding with Pickford.
Croatia was still looking dangerous at the start of the second 15 minutes of extra time. They caught England napping in the 107th minute as the ball sailed just above the net. Under two minutes later, Croatia finally broke through as Manduzic, who seemingly shook off the previous knock with Pickford, smashed the ball behind him. Manduzic then took two separate spells sitting on the grass before being pulled out. England then desperately tried to find an answer, but never really threatened to find one.
Coming into this match, you had to wonder about whether Croatia had any energy left after two grueling penalty shootout matches. They are a veteran, experienced side while England was tied with France as the second youngest team in the competition. You would think that the English would be the stronger, fresher team; but the opposite happened. Youth was served with France, Tuesday; but experience paid off for Croatia on Wednesday. I wouldn't be quick to dismiss them holding up the trophy Sunday.
It's back to the drawing board for England after a third place game with Belgium, Saturday; but the young lions made a terrific run. This could be the beginning of a golden age of English football. With this collection of talent and much more coming through the system, they should be strong going into the 2020 Euros and in 2022. They need to find a creative player or two to add another dimension to their attack. Also, the experience they gained from Russia will make them better.
The game didn't come home, but it arrived in the neighborhood.
Five Stars of the Match...
5. Jordan Pickford
4. Ante Rebic
3. Ivan Perisic
2. Luka Modric
1. Mario Manduzic
