Croatia become smallest nation to reach World Cup final since 1950

Leon Maldonado

Surprised Tapalovic hails Croatia spirit mentality

A packed stadium provided an intense World Cup atmosphere for the game, after thousands of England and Croatia fans had flown into the Russian capital.

"As I know, when you work overseas, you feel your country in a different way". Fans in Castlefield Bowl in Manchester city launched their drinks into the air as they celebrated Kieran Trippier's goal.

Croatia's strength of character will serve them well in the World Cup final against France, their coach and players said after they came from behind for the third straight knockout match to beat England on Wednesday.

Some England soccer fans sobbed while others looked to the future with confidence after their once improbable dreams of a first World Cup final in more than 50 years were dashed by Croatia on Wednesday.

In extra time, he leaped high to block John Stones' header, keeping Croatia in the game before Mario Mandzukic scored the winning goal about 10 minutes later.

Asked how far he thought the still young England team could progress in the next World Cup, he said: "This far, if not the final".

Jose Mourinho insists England have reason to be optimistic despite falling agonisingly short of the World Cup final.

New Jersey crabber could lose 'life or limbs' after bacterial infection
Perez had to have a leg surgically drained as an infectious disease doctor investigated the cause of the infection. Angel Perez, 60, reportedly complained of swelling and growing pain in his right leg after coming home on July 2.

Cardi B & Offset Welcome A Baby Girl Kulture
Fans believed they were only engaged as Offset dropped to one knee last October at a concert for a very public proposal . It's the 25-year-old's first child with husband and fellow rapper Offset , whose legal name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus.

Reds score seven runs in ninth to top Indians
As Francona explained after the game, the mishap occurred when he called the bullpen to start warming up the next reliever. It's not that O-T can't get the job done, but it probably wasn't the best matchup". "I've got to be responsible for that".

"When you get to this stage of the competition, the margins are fine. they've taken two of their (chances) and we weren't able to respond".

The tongue-in-cheek video, which they uploaded on their social media page, reminded fans to be "careful when using torches and pyrotechnics", so they can enjoy the game just as much as everyone else.

Paul Sealey, who is visiting the area, said: "The team will do all in their power to win. I think France will win the title".

Despite a valiant effort, the team will come home without the Jules Rimet trophy after losing the semi final 2-1 to Croatia.

"I'm excited to see if Croatian fans are as excited as we are".

"Extra time, I knew it was on the cards we weren't going to win that".