FIFA World Cup: Croatia beat England 2-1 to set up final date with France
Associated Press
In Caption: England's Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the World Cup semi-final. | (AP) Trippier's magnificent early free-kick had seemingly set England on course to reach their first final since they lifted the trophy on home soil back in 1966.In Caption: Croatia's Dejan Lovren, left, and England's Harry Kane challenge for the ball. | (AP) Croatia came roaring back in the second half and equalised through Ivan Perisic before somehow finding the energy to win despite being taken to extra time.In Caption: Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, second right, scores his side's second goal. | (AP) Croatia hung on and it was to their immense credit that they turned the tide after the break in what developed into an epic encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.In Caption: Croatia's Ivan Strinic, right, challenges for the ball England's Jesse Lingard, left. | (AP) Having looked so comfortable earlier, England's young side were rattled, and they were lucky not to go behind soon after when Perisic sent a low shot across Jordan Pickford and off the far post.In Caption: England's Kieran Trippier, up, and Croatia's Ivan Strinic challenge for the ball. | (AP) England had been the ones hoping to make history, in what was their first appearance in the semi-finals in 28 years.In Caption: England head coach Gareth Southgate, 2nd left, comforts England's Danny Rose, left, after loosing the semifinal match. | (AP) The biggest winners of the night could well be France, who have had an extra day's rest for Sunday's final after edging out Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday.