How Croatia and England fans reacted after Croatia's World Cup semifinal win
An early England goal had Three Lions fans dreaming of a World Cup Final appearance. Alas, a second-half goal by Croatia sent the game into extra time and Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time winner put the Croatians into the final against France and relegated England to the third-place game.
Mandzukic’s goal came in the second half of extra time, leaving Croatian fans just a few minutes to freak out about their team’s one-goal lead. Here’s how they celebrated as the game ended with a special cameo by dejected English fans.
Fans cheer as Croatia's win against England puts it through to its first ever #WorldCup final, where it will face France https://t.co/eXkwZFNVSV pic.twitter.com/J7tXH1JcTW
— CNN International (@cnni) July 11, 2018
Croatia fans freaked out after Ivan Perisic tied the game at 1-1 too. There are going to be more flares and fireworks shot off in Croatia on Wednesday night than there were in the United States on July 4.
Checking in with Croatia fans after the equalizer…#CROENG pic.twitter.com/mHpx60DZqI
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 11, 2018
“It’s not coming home” quickly became a joke on social media. “It’s coming home” had been a rallying cry for English fans – remember, England says it is the birthplace of soccer – and fans chanted that as England players left for the game on Wednesday.
"It's coming home son!" Fans cheer as England players leave their hotel ahead of their #WorldCup semi-final against Croatia #ENGCRO https://t.co/9fGtXUHNgM pic.twitter.com/PHeikuXZYj
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 11, 2018
The England fans who stayed in the stadium in Moscow after the game were still a joyous bunch. After all, it was the first time England had been in the World Cup semifinals since 1990.
England fans right now. pic.twitter.com/jjtmMz0maF
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2018
To everyone who supported us.
To everyone who believed this time was different.
To everyone who wasn't afraid to dream.
To everyone who knows this is only the beginning.
Thank you. We hope we made you proud. #threelions pic.twitter.com/jH8lYMB2E0
— England (@England) July 11, 2018
Fans at watch parties quickly dispersed after the game, however.
Hometime for England fans at Times Square Newcastle the crowd was heartbroken but an overwhelming sense of pride for Gareth Southgate’s squad #WorldCup18 pic.twitter.com/hHuaaazVfA
— Metro Radio News (@MetroRadioNews) July 11, 2018
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Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports.
Follow @NickBromberg on Twitter
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