Joy for a Croatian nation

MOSCOW: Mario Mandzukic scored in the 109th minute as Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time yesterday and reach their first World Cup final, where they will face France on Sunday, and send the Balkan nation into raptures.

England, appearing in their first semi-final since 1990, had looked on course for their first final since 1966 as they led through Kieran Trippier’s fifth-minute free kick and totally dominated the opening half.

Croatia, in their first semi since 1998, levelled through Ivan Perisic after 68 minutes