Posted on 07/11/2018 9:43:01 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
This is a FIFA World Cup™ semi-final decades in the making. Both sides have waited patiently for their turn, each experiencing heartbreak in prior editions since they last appeared in the final four. Croatia have 'only' had to wait 20 years (semi-finalists at France 1998), while England last reached the semi-final stage 28 years ago at Italy 1990.
Indeed, this first World Cup meeting between the pair will have a historic outcome. Croatia were defeated by hosts France back in 1998, meaning they have never reached a World Cup Final, while the Three Lions have only reached the Final once before, when they lifted their sole World Cup Trophy more than half-a-century ago - on home soil in 1966.
If both coaches are honest, they will admit that before Russia 2018 started, they would not have anticipated reaching this stage. But both sides have certainly earned their place with valiant performances.
(Excerpt) Read more at fifa.com ...
OMG!
It’s Happening!
From The BBC:
England have scored nine goals from set pieces at the 2018 World Cup - the most by any team in a single World Cup tournament since 1966.
England scores on another set piece!!! Lots of talk Southgate bringing in some Yanks to apply analytics and they discovered practicing for set pieces are under-emphasized.
Remember, this is the same England that lost to Iceland in the Euro tournament.
Just goes to show how quickly things can turn around.
SWEEEEEEET!
Have not seen so many waist coats in England since Edward VII was king.
LOL, on BBC they pointed out that Pep Guardiola was coaching in Barcelona in 2010, Spain wins the World Cup. Pep was coaching in Munich in 2014, Germany wins the Cup. Now Pep is coaching at Manchester City.
It’s Coming Home!
Ht England 1-0.
I think England will need one more.
They may get in the second half.
Croatia has been frustrated by the English defense. If they don’t find a way to break it, they’ll have to settle for the consolation game with Belgium.
The stakes are high.
Modric hasn’t had a lot of touches, he’s got to get into the game.
France made it to the Final from a corner.
It’s all offense and England is hungry for its first World Cup title since 1966.
They’are in it to win.
If the result holds, England will be in on a free kick.
Yep, set pieces have been the difference.
Not too good at reading between the lines huh?
... Belgium and France were easily the two best teams left. Hence yesterday’s final.
1-1!!!
GOOOOOL!!!! Croatia! 1-1.
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