World Cup 2018 : Mario Mandzukic scored the winning goal deep in extra time as Croatia beat England 2-1 in an utterly gripping World Cup semi-final in Moscow on Wednesday to set up a final date with France.

Mario Mandzukic struck an extra-time winner as Croatia defeated England 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup final for the first time in the country’s history.

Croatia saw off England 2-1 in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup to qualify for their first ever World Cup final against 1998 winners France.

FIFA says it is taking legal action against pirate broadcaster BeoutQ, which continues to broadcast illegally from the World Cup in Russia, local media reported on Wednesday.

The following factbox details five times a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) made an impact at the World Cup.

Samuel Umtiti’s 51st minute header was enough to send France into the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup

For Steve McClaren, England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia brings back painful memories. It was after a match between the two teams more than a decade ago that he was labelled the “Wally with the Brolly”.

The young Thai football club members who have been rescued from a cave will be unable to take up an invitation to attend the World Cup final in Moscow, their doctors said on Tuesday.

British police have warned World Cup fans to behave ahead of a semi-final clash with Croatia, saying there had been “significant disorder” after England’s win over Sweden.

A member of the Russian lower house’s Committee for Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs Dmitry Svishchev on Monday said FIFA’s reaction to the statements made by Croatia defender Domagoj Vida was insufficient.

England captain Harry Kane is drawing inspiration from the country’s 1966 World Cup heroes as the striker looks to fire his team to a surprise final appearance in Moscow.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has identified Raheem Sterling as England’s danger man in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Harry Maguire travelled to watch England as a fan at Euro 2016, but two years later he is a pillar of the defence as the country prepares for its first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.

Luis Suarez has reject-ed Antoine Griezmann’s supposed love for Uruguay after losing to France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

His comments after Belgium’s win against England on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford have sparked controversy and Thibaut Courtois moved to make clear that his words have been misinterpreted after beating Brazil.