MOSCOW, July 11 -- Mario Mandzukic struck a dramatic extra-time goal as Croatia clinched a place in their first World Cup final with a 2-1 victory over England here on Wednesday.
The Juventus forward prompted jubilant scenes in the Croatia camp by ghosting in behind England's defence and lashing a first-time shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England had taken an early lead courtesy of a Kieran Trippier free-kick before Ivan Perisic showed great athleticism to fire in a second-half equalizer.
Croatia will now meet France in the final on Sunday and they are already guaranteed their best ever World Cup finish, bettering their third placing in 1998.
The result marked the third consecutive match that Croatia have won either in extra time or on penalties, a feat hailed by coach Zlatko Dalic.
"What the players did today, the strength, energies levels, was incredible," Dalic said. "I wanted to make substitutions but nobody would come off. I have to tip my hat to our medical staff and doctors. Some players played with minor injuries today - ones that would rule them out of other games. Two played with half a leg. But nobody wanted to be subbed and they didn't give in. That makes me proud."
England manager Gareth Southgate admitted Croatia were "stronger and more experienced" but praised his team's achievement in becoming the first England team since 1990 to reach the last four of the World Cup.
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