England won’t be playing in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Gareth Southgate’s side lost 2-1 to Croatia on Wednesday night in the second semi-final of the tournament. England went ahead early through Kieran Trippier’s excellent free-kick and were the better side for an hour of the game.
However, Croatia, who had appeared tired after their exertions against Denmark and Russia earlier in the knockout stages, suddenly sprang into life. Ivan Perisic scored with a clever finish after 68-minutes and England looked rattled. Both sides had their chances to win the tie late on, but it went into extra-time.
It's Coming Hooooooooo……….. #WorldCup #ENG #CRO #CROENG pic.twitter.com/FQErObMF5L
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 11, 2018
England were the better team in the first-half of extra-time but were caught cold by Mario Mandzukic 10-minutes from time. The Juventus striker took advantage of some slack England defending to fire Croatia into the World Cup final, where they will play France.
On RTE, Eamon Dunphy said England were a “rather sad story.”
“This is the best team they have played, and the system didn’t hold up,” Dunphy said.
He went on to single out the back three of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire for criticism, saying they were “found out” and said that Jordan Henderson in midfield wasn’t enough on his own.
Dunphy said he felt sorry for the team, but, ulitmately, “they got what they deserved.”
Damien Duff was full of praise for Croatia.
Croatia showed more character and deserve their place in the World Cup final, according to Damien Duff #rtesoccer #worldcup #CRO #ENG pic.twitter.com/r1gW6Nonrx
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 11, 2018
