A game of football that you would expect in a semifinal of the world cup, as both teams were brilliant but Croatia edged England with a score line of 2-1 in additional extra time. England dominated the first half and was the one to lead from the brilliant freekick from Trippier but missed some good goal scoring chances. Croatia was brilliant in the second half as well as in additional time. Perisic was the hero for Croatia as he scored a brilliant goal, and provided an assist for the winner to Mandzukic. In terms of fantasy football, you would be happy only if you owned any of these 3 players: Trippier, Perisic, Vrsaljko, and Mandzukic. Beside these 4 players, no big contribution by any other players. I only had Trippier among these players, at least something to cheer for. Thus we are all set for Grand Finale between France and Croatia. It is a historic day for Croatia as they enter into their first Final while France will be looking for their second World Cup after 1998 victory.
Croatia:
Croatia was brilliant today and I absolutely enjoyed watching them in the second half. They were not at their best during the first half but played with lots of urgency and energy in the second half. All Croatian players have 2 points unless involved in goal or had bookings. Subasic was not tested much, and he was not at his best position during Trippier freekick. Vrsaljko was a doubt but started the game, and he had one of his the best game of his life. He set up a brilliant assist for Perisic goal. He gets 5 points for his fantasy managers. Lovren had a very poor game today and couldn't cope the pace of Lingard and Sterling. He was lucky not to be booked. Vida was better than his counterpart Lovren. Strinic had rough first half and failed to cope pressure from Lingard and Trippier, but he was very good in attack during the second half. Brozovic was in fault for not tracking Alli, who was eventually fouled by Modric and conceded that freekick. Overall he had a good game and provided good support to his forward line. It was not a good day for Raktic either but he did his best to keep the ball in England's half, and also missed a golden chance.
Rebic had an unlucky day today, although he played excellent football. He saw his three shots blocked by English back line. He gave a hard time to Young down the flank. He committed a silly foul against Rose and conceded yellow card which means his fantasy owners will have only 1 points from him. Modric was not at his best either, and he is culpable of fouling Alli and committing freekick which Trippier scored. Perisic had a game to remember throughout his life and changed the whole equation of today's match. He could have easily scored a couple of goals and was very dangerous going forward. He scored brilliant volley to bring Croatia back in a game and provided an assist for Mandzukic goal. It means a total of 10 points for his fantasy managers. Also, he hit the post with another brilliant effort. Mandzukic scored the winner to take Croatia to their first ever World Cup final. He remained frustrated in most part of the game and conceded a yellow card for showing his frustration and kicking the ball. He was dangerous in attack as well and enforced Pickford for a save. He gets 5 points for his managers.
England
England was fantastic in the first half but they lacked that energy in the second half, as their backline committed some crucial mistakes. They could not create many big chances in the second half. England backline conceded 2 goals, which means a deduction of 1 points that they gained for playing 60+ minutes. Pickford was excellent today but he could do nothing for that brilliant effort by Perisic. He made a total of 5 saves to deny the brilliant Croatian front line. Walker made some key interceptions but was at fault for not tracking Perisic for the equalizer, and he was booked for holding the ball which was a foolish act from him. Thus, he gets Zero points for his managers. Stones remained composed and handled pressure from Croatia very well but he was also at fault for losing track of Mandzukic as he gets the winner for Croatia. Maguire was rock solid at the back and he should have scored for England in the first half. Trippier started well with brilliant freekick to give England a vital lead and defended well. He is also at fault along with Walker for losing Perisic for an equalizer.
Lingard had two brilliant goal scoring opportunity in either half, as he missed a chance to double England lead in the first half and his brilliant effort was deflected in the second half. Henderson provided good support to his backline and made some key tackle. Young had a quiet game and struggled with Croatian pace many times but made some key interceptions. Alli won the freekick which Trippier scored and also created a chance for Lingard which was wasted. He disappeared in the second half and same goes for Sterling who had good first half with brilliant running. Finally, Kane didn't have a good day either and was ruled offside a couple of times. His bad day means England couldn't make it to the final of the world cup and will face Belgium for the third spot.
How do you rate the player's performance today? Who was your best player today? For me, it was Perisic.
So, the World Cup final is between Croatia VS France. Who will win the FIFA World Cup 2018? Will Croatia make a history or France will win it for second times?
Thanks,
@lawlees
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