world cup semifinals croatia 2, england 1croatia's in, england's out

July 12, 2018 at 3:24AM
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, scores his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, scores his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The wear and tear of Croatia's harrowing trip through World Cup play seemed to be showing up on the pitch against England in the semifinals Wednesday. After two consecutive penalty-kick victories over Denmark and Russia, the Croats fell behind the English 1-0 only five minutes in. But then something remarkable happened: the second half. Ivan Perisic's goal in the 68th minute tied the score before Mario Mandzukic's tally in the 109th touched off a Croatian celebration (top and above lower left) and crushing disappointment for England fans (above lower right). Croatia meets France for the title at 10 a.m. Sunday (Ch. 9). Story, Page C10.


England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side's second goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side’s second goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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