Croatia advances to World Cup final for first time, beats England 2-1 in extra time

MOSCOW (AP) — Croatia advances to World Cup final for first time, beats England 2-1 in extra time. </s> England head coach Gareth Southgate leaves the field at the end of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England head coach Gareth Southgate leaves the field at the end of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, ... more

Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko celebrates after his team advanced to the final during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko celebrates after his team advanced to the final during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

Croatian fans celebrate at the end of the semifinal match between Croatia and England, in Zagreb, Croatia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

England's Harry Kane reacts at the end of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic scores his side's first goal past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Ivan Perisic scores his side's first goal past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, ... more

Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko celebrates after his team advanced to the final during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Sime Vrsaljko celebrates after his team advanced to the final during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

Croatia's supporters celebrate after a goal as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Denis LovrovicDENIS LOVROVIC/AFP/Getty Images less

Croatia's supporters celebrate after a goal as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018. / AFP ... more

England soccer fans watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Football fans react to extra time as England play Croatia at the Auto Trader World Cup semi-final screening in Castlefield Bowl on July 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. World Cup fever is building among England fans after reaching the Semi Finals of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images) less

Football fans react to extra time as England play Croatia at the Auto Trader World Cup semi-final screening in Castlefield Bowl on July 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. World Cup fever is building among ... more

England soccer fans watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Football fans react to extra time as England play Croatia at the Auto Trader World Cup semi-final screening in Castlefield Bowl on July 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. World Cup fever is building among England fans after reaching the Semi Finals of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images) less

Football fans react to extra time as England play Croatia at the Auto Trader World Cup semi-final screening in Castlefield Bowl on July 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. World Cup fever is building among ... more

England fans watch the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at Nottingham Castle, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (David Davies/PA via AP)

England soccer fans celebrate England's opening goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) less

England soccer fans celebrate England's opening goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south ... more

England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side's first goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) less

England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side's first goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat ... more

Fans react after Croatia equalized, as they watch the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) less

Fans react after Croatia equalized, as they watch the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. ... more

Croatian soccer fans react to their team missing a goal while watching the Russia 2018 World Cup soccer match between Croatia and England at the St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) less

Croatian soccer fans react to their team missing a goal while watching the Russia 2018 World Cup soccer match between Croatia and England at the St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles on ... more

England soccer fan reacts as he watches a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) less

England soccer fan reacts as he watches a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP ... more

England soccer fans react as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) less

England soccer fans react as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Hyde Park, London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP ... more

A young fan is consoled as he watches the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) less

A young fan is consoled as he watches the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Martin ... more

Croatia fans celebrate their team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia's supporters react as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018.

Croatia's supporters react as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018.

A Croatia's supporter holds a flare as supporters watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018.

Croatia's supporters celebrate the second goal as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018.

Fansare dejected following England's loss in the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) less

Fansare dejected following England's loss in the 2018 World Cup semi final soccer match between Croatia and England in Russia, at the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (Martin ... more

Croatia supporters celebrate their victory during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11, 2018. Croatia will play France in the World Cup final after they beat England 2-1 in extra-time on Wednesday thanks to a Mario Mandzukic goal in the second period of extra-time. less

Croatia supporters celebrate their victory during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11, 2018. Croatia will play France in ... more

England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side's second goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat Iron Square, south London, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England soccer fans react after Croatia scored their side's second goal as they watch a live broadcast on a big screen of the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup, in Flat ... more

Croatia's supporters celebrate the second goal as they watch on a giant screen the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England, at the main square in Zagreb on July 11, 2018.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic apologizes to a photographer he fell over when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic apologizes to a photographer he fell over when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki ... more

England's Kyle Walker reacts after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kyle Walker reacts after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, ... more

England's Kieran Trippier is celebrated after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kieran Trippier is celebrated after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

England's Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

England's Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July ... more

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, ... more

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, ... more

Domagoj Vida of Croatia celebrates with his son following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, sits on the ground after he fell over a photographer when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, sits on the ground after he fell over a photographer when celebrating his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the ... more

Jordan Pickford of England lies on the floor dejected as Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. less

Jordan Pickford of England lies on the floor dejected as Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, ... more

Croatia's Luka Modric, left, Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Rakitic, right, celebrate after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scored his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) less

Croatia's Luka Modric, left, Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Rakitic, right, celebrate after Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scored his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 ... more

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. less

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, ... more

MOSCOW (AP) — Croatia's legs seemed heavy, burdened by the accumulated toll of consecutive penalty-kicks wins needed to get this far. England had gone ahead with a free kick just five minutes in, dominated play and appeared headed to its first World Cup final since 1966.

Then the second half started and it was as if a different Croatian team had replaced the lethargic one.

Ivan Perisic tied the score in the 68th minute , Mario Mandzukic got the go-ahead goal in the 109th and Croatia shocked England with a 2-1 victory Wednesday that advanced a nation of just over 4 million to a World Cup final against France.

"Mentally strong team," midfielder Ivan Rakitic said. "It's just unbelievable to get back in the game in this way."

When the final whistle blew and they knew they were going to their first World Cup final, the Croatians ran to their jumping and cheering fans in their iconic red-and-white checkered jerseys. Croatia joined an exclusive club of 13 nations that advanced to a World Cup final, doing it in a tournament where powers Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain made early exits.

"They've had an incredible route to the final. They've shown remarkable character," said England coach Gareth Southgate, who for now will be remembered more for a fashionable waistcoat than ending a half-century of hurt.

France, which won its only title at home in 1998, will have an extra day of rest after beating Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday.

Croatia, coming off 360 intense minutes at soccer's highest level, faces its biggest sporting moment since becoming an independent nation in 1991.

"We started slowly, but we've shown our character, just as we did in the previous two knockout rounds when we were one-goal down," Perisic said.

Fans back home in Zagreb took to the streets to celebrate, lighting flares and waving flags in a sea of exuberance.

"We are a nation of people who never give in, who are proud and who have character," said coach Zlatko Dalic, who wore a checkered jersey to his post-match news conference. "There's no weakness in a team that is in the final."

England was not among the top 10 nation in ticket sales before the tournament, but the team's progress caused gallivanting supporters to flock to Moscow.

The front of the stands behind one goal was filled with more than two dozen white banners with a red Cross of St. George, pledging support from many of the island's clubs, from Bradford to Wolverhampton. Back home, a crowd of 30,000 was in London's Hyde Park for a large-screen viewing, the British Beer and Pub Association predicted supporters would buy 10 million extra pints at pubs during the match, and No.1 Court at Wimbledon was less than one-third full for the men's quarterfinal between John Isner and Milos Raonic.

Promise seemed about to be fulfilled when Kieran Trippier curled in a free kick in the fifth minute for his first international goal, above leaping Dejan Lovren and Mandzukic and past the desperate dive of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic. Choruses of "God Save the Queen" began in England's end.

"We had a couple chances after that to get the second, give ourselves a bit more breathing room," England captain Harry Kane said.

Football will not be coming home to England, and there will be no title to match the 1966 triumph at Wembley Stadium. Kane & Co. will deal with the same disappointment that felled Shearer and Platt, Gazza and Wazza, Beckham and Gerrard. And Southgate, whose penalty-kick failure led to England's previous semifinal loss in a major tournament, in the 1996 European Championship semifinals.

"Impossible to say anything to them that is going to make them feel better at this point," Southgate said after England's fourth straight loss in a major tournament semifinal.

Croatia tied the score after Rakitic switched the ball from left flank to right, where Vrsaljko crossed. Kyle Walker attempted a diving header to clear. Perisic jumped and from behind raised his left boot over Walker's head to poke the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from about 8 yards for his fourth goal in the tournament.

England had its moments to go back ahead, but Lingard failed to connect with a Kane through ball in 78th, and Kane miss-hit a header off a free kick in stoppage time.

Croatia defender Sime Vrsaljko kept the score even nine minutes into extra time with a goal-line clearance of John Stones' header off a corner kick. Then Croatia became the first team since Argentina beat Italy in 1990 to come from behind to win a World Cup semifinal match

Mandzukic scored after Walker stuck out a leg to block Josip Pivaric's cross. The ball popped up, and Perisic outjumped Trippier to head the ball toward goal. Mandzukic alertly reacted to the unexpected ball in the penalty area, splitting defenders Stones and Harry Maguire, who both had taken four short steps up. The ball bounced twice, Mandzukic ran onto it and one-timed a low, left-footed shot to Pickford's left.

"Three times 120 minutes and fresher legs today than the English team," Lovren marveled.

Mandzukic ran to a corner and was mobbed by teammates, who jumped on him and trapped photographers under them in the crush.

Not long after, Dalic was thinking about the short recovery time before the final.

"It's our fault. Why didn't we score earlier?" he said. "Why didn't we finish the job in regulation time?"

"We still have lots of energy in the tank," he said.

No players are suspended for the final.

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida was jeered by fans whenever he touched the ball. He received a warning from FIFA for shouting "glory to Ukraine" in a video posted after Croatia beat Russia in the quarterfinals. </s> MOSCOW — France and Croatia face off in the 2018 World Cup final. Follow all the action here:

France has clinched its second World Cup title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in a dramatic final in Moscow featuring a series of firsts and a pitch invasion orchestrated by Russian protest group Pussy Riot.

France has a 4-2 lead over Croatia after 70 minutes of a World Cup final that has featured a series of firsts including an own goal and a penalty awarded after a video review. And a pitch invasion that Russian punk rock group Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility for.

France led 2-1 at half time and extended the lead to 4-1 with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.

Hugo Lloris of France reacts following Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Paul Pogba has given France a 3-1 lead over Croatia in the World Cup final with a goal in the 59th minute.

Four people dressed in suits have invaded the pitch during the second half of the World Cup final.

The four, who seemed to be wearing peaked caps, approached players and one appeared to share a high five with a France player.

Stewards dragged the people off the field after a total disruption of almost a minute while France was leading 2-1.

A pitch invader is stopped by Dejan Lovren of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Records are falling like the rain coming down on the field after a wild first half of the World Cup final in Moscow.

France has a 2-1 lead over Croatia courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic's head was the 12th of the tournament. That's double the previous World Cup record of six.

Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn't call the handball but spoke into his headset with colleagues in the video booth, then made the box-shaped symbol for a video review. He awarded the spot kick shortly afterward, which Antoine Griezmann sent into the net to put France back in front.

This is the first World Cup in which video review has been used.

France leads Croatia 2-1 at halftime as it works toward its first World Cup title in 20 years.

The first half ended with thunder rolling over Moscow after France regained the lead from an Antoine Griezmann penalty in the 38th minute following the first use of video review in a World Cup final.

France had taken the lead in the 18th through Mario Mandzukic's own-goal — the first in a World Cup final and a record 12th in the tournament — off a Griezmann free kick, before Croatia's Ivan Perisic equalized with a fierce left-foot strike 10 minutes later.

Perisic was also the player who conceded the penalty with a handball at a corner. It is already the highest-scoring World Cup final since France won its only previous title in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0.

Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

Antoine Griezmann has given France a 2-1 lead over Croatia with a penalty after the first call made using a video review in a World Cup final.

Griezmann hit the ball hard and left as Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic jumped the other way in the 38th minute.

The spot-kick was given after the ball bounced off the arm of Croatia's Ivan Perisic at a corner before hitting his leg and going out of play. Perisic had scored for Croatia to level the game at 1-1 in the 28th minute.

There was a break of about 90 seconds as referee Nestor Pitana discussed the call with his video assistants and reviewed the footage.

Antoine Griezmann of France scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia has leveled the score in the World Cup final against France at 1-1 on a goal from Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute.

Domagoj Vida got the ball at a free kick and passed it back to Perisic on the edge of the area. The winger controlled the ball with his right foot and used his left to fire it past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

It's the third goal in seven games for Perisic and the first goal France has conceded since its 4-3 win over Argentina in the round of 16.

Croatia has now had equalize in four straight games after conceding the opening goal. All three preceding games went to extra time.

Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrates with team mate Ante Rebic after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

France has scored with the first real chance of the World Cup final as Mario Mandzukic headed a free kick into his own net.

Antoine Griezmann swung the free kick into a mass of French and Croatian players and Mandzukic diverted the ball into the net, just past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic's outstretched hand in the 18th minute.

It was the 12th own goal of the World Cup, an all-time record.

It was the first goal in regulation in a World Cup final since 2006 — the 2010 and 2014 finals were both extra time 1-0 results



Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores an own goal from Antoine Griezmann of France's free-kick, France's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic has taken the kickoff for his team in the World Cup final against France.

As their national anthem rang out around the Luzhniki stadium, Croatian fans unfurled a banner reading, "one heart, one strength, my country Croatia."

Both teams were unchanged from the lineups that won their semifinal games. France beat Belgium 1-0, and Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra time.

Croatia is playing its first World Cup final. France won its only World Cup title when it hosted the tournament in 1998.

The French and Croatian teams are on the field for their World Cup final.

The teams emerged from the dressing rooms to stand behind the World Cup trophy, with captains Hugo Lloris and Luka Modric in the lead.

Philipp Lahm, Germany's winning captain in 2014, earlier brought out the World Cup trophy with Russian model Natalia Vodianova. Lahm picked up the cup and held it for cheering crowds.

France is aiming to win its second World Cup and first since 1998. Croatia has never before gone past the semifinal stage.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. </s> MOSCOW >> A World Cup of surprises concludes with a final of contrasts.

Powered by the dynamism of Kylian Mbappe, France has youthful exuberance in a side packed with some of soccer’s highest-value talent. It also has pedigree — winners in 1998 and finalists in 2006.

Croatia has a veteran roster that has been stretched to the limit but continues to win in Russia. The Croats never give in, prevailing in a shootout against Denmark, again on penalties against Russia — after being stung by a late equalizer — and then recovering from conceding early against England.

Just don’t suggest Croatia will be weary in the final when it returns to the Luzhniki Stadium on July 15.

Croatia’s star midfielder Luka Modric said “we will see who will be tired” was the team ethos going into the July 11 semifinal, feeling Croatia had been under-estimated by the English.

Modric, along with Mario Mandzukic, are the 32-year-olds who have propelled Croatia to its first major soccer final. In the previous four World Cups: Croatia failed to qualify in 2010 and was ousted in the group stage the other three occasions.

Before then, in its World Cup debut in 1998, Croatia did reach the semifinals, where it lost to France.

When Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the team hotel in Moscow on July 11 that 1998 game was on his mind — even before beating England.

“We might have the chance for the revenge in the finals with the French,” Plenkovic said.

Now they get it.

Croatia advanced to its first World Cup final with a 2-1 extra-time win over England on July 11. France beat Belgium 1-0 a night earlier.

“We have a good opportunity to give them something back for 20 years ago when they reached the final,” Croatia defender Dejan Lovren said. “Maybe it’s our time to revenge something but it’s a tough game and it will be difficult.”

A country of 65 million, France has stars like 19-year-old sensation Mbappe, midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Antoine Griezmann.

Croatia is the fourth-smallest country of the 32 World Cup teams with just over 4 million people. It has a chance to be the least-populous nation to win since Uruguay took the title in 1950, when it was a nation of just over 2 million. </s> (AP Photo/David Vincent). France headcoach Didier Deschamps answers to journalists during the official press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium at the eve of the final against Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2...

(AP Photo/Darko Bandic). Croatia's Luka Modric, right, points at Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic during a news conference of the Croatian national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018.

(AP Photo/David Vincent). France headcoach Didier Deschamps grimaces as he listen to journalists's questions during the official press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium at the eve of the final against Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Ru...

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein). Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July...

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner). France's Samuel Umtiti, second from left, is congratulated by his teammates France's Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba, from left, after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between France and B...

MOSCOW (AP) - France is the established power with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has the veterans that have shown they can never be counted out.

The two sides will meet on Sunday in the World Cup final, with France going for its second title in its third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that only gained independence in 1991, will be playing in its first.

"Tradition is there to be demolished," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Saturday. "I'm not interested who is the opponent."

Most consider France to be the favorite for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, just like two years ago when the country's national team faced Portugal in the European Championship final at home.

But perhaps feeling complacent after beating Germany in the semifinals, France flopped.

"I don't think it's going to happen again," said France captain Hugo Lloris, who has been stellar in goal during this year's tournament. "We are far from thinking on our side that we have already reached the goal."

Lloris was the goalkeeper in that 1-0 loss in Paris, facing a Portugal team that had reached the final after some extra-time victories.

Croatia has done the same this year, needing penalty kicks to beat Denmark and host Russia before defeating England in extra time in the semifinals.

France coach Didier Deschamps has made some changes to his team, however. Fourteen, to be exact, from the 23 players who made up the squad two years ago.

Another factor in France's favor is rest. The French had only two days of rest between the Euro 2016 semifinals and the final. This time, they have four full days to recover, one more than Croatia.

"A lot of things have changed," Lloris said. "Especially when it comes to recovery and preparation time."

Croatia has also played a lot more soccer in its six matches in Russia. With its last three matches going to extra time, the team has played a full 90 minutes more than France. There was also the added stress of two penalty shootouts.

That's all behind them.

"Now, there is no pressure," Dalic said through a translator. "Simply this is the greatest moment in the life of all of us. We have come here to enjoy the final."

Croatia has not beaten France in five games since being accepted as a FIFA member federation in 1992.

The first match was the most momentous - a 2-1 win for France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals at Stade de France outside Paris.

A group game at Euro 2004 ended in a 2-2 draw, and their latest game was a 0-0 draw in March 2011 in Paris.

Both teams were unbeaten in the group stage, and France has trailed for only nine minutes in the entire tournament.

Argentina's 2-1 lead in the second half of a round-of-16 game was wiped out by defender Benjamin Pavard's long-range shot. Kylian Mbappe then exploded for two quick goals in the 4-3 victory.

Croatia's 3-0 win over Argentina was a standout performance in the group stage. The team also never trailed in wins over Nigeria and Iceland.

It's been different in the knockout rounds. Croatia conceded the opening goal in each game before rallying to advance.

Both teams have played one game at the Luzhniki Stadium so far.

Croatia beat England 2-1 at the venue on Wednesday, while France's 0-0 draw with Denmark in its final group game ended with Russian fans booing the tournament's only scoreless draw.

The past two World Cup finals were 0-0 after 90 minutes, and both were settled by a single goal in the second half of extra time.

"Win or lose," Dalic said, "there will be a seismic event in Croatia."

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. </s> France earned its spot in the 2018 World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday. In Wednesday's seimfinal game, Croatia and England will square off at the same stadium that will host the final — Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

While England is busy singing "Football's coming home" as it carries on its quest for its first World Cup win in 52 years, a potential distraction entered Croatia's camp on Monday.

While Harry Kane is the favorite for the World Cup's Golden Boot award with a tournament-best six goals, it's England's goalkeeper who also has been instrumental in getting the Three Lions to the brink of history. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played just three games for England before the World Cup, but has played like a veteran to help his team reach the semifinals of a World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic is the biggest threat to Pickford's goal. Feeding the ball to Mandzukic is Luka Modric, one of the best players on the planet.

One thing working against Croatia is how many minutes it has played to advance to the semifinal. Croatia went through extra time and penalty kicks against both Switzerland in the Round of 16 and Russia in the quarterfinals. England, meanwhile, had a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarterfinals.

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2018 World Cup: Complete schedule of games, how to watch </s> MOSCOW — France powered its way to the second World Cup title in its history on Sunday, storming past Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium in a dominant 4-2 triumph.

An early own goal from Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic – the first ever in a World Cup final – set France on its way, with Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe also getting on the scoresheet.

After suffering the disappointment of losing the 2016 European Championship semifinal on home soil, the result gave Les Blues redemption, 20 years after capturing its first World Cup crown.

That 1998 victory was fairly routine – a 3-0 cruise past Brazil – and so was this. Griezmann’s free-kick was deflected in by Mandzukic 18 minutes in, and even though Ivan Perisic levelled 10 minutes later, the French were back in front by half-time.

Domagoj Vida of Croatia looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Video replay was used to call Perisic for handball in his own area, and Griezmann calmly made no mistake from the spot.

Croatia’s efforts in getting to the final via three extra time games and two shootouts began to catch up. Pogba stroked a left-foot strike from the edge of the box and Mbappe confirmed his reputation as a future superstar with his fourth goal of the tournament, letting France begin the celebration early.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a bizarre error to allow Mandzukic grab a consolation goal, but Didier Deschamps’ side was never going to let victory slip. European teams have now won the last four World Cups, extending the longest streak ever. </s> England saw its best chance of ending several generations’ worth of World Cup pain slip away on Wednesday night, as Croatia fought back for a 2-1 win in extra time, securing a spot against France in Sunday’s final.

Englandhad not been to a semifinal since 1990, and not reached the title game since it won soccer’s greatest prize for the only time back in 1966. This, for much of a wild and rugged evening at Luzhniki Stadium, looked like the time. Until it wasn’t.

Croatia was one of the most impressive teams of the group stage before surviving two penalty shootouts to reach this point. Its technical ability and fierce resiliency allowed it to capitalize on England’s nervous lapses when victory was in sight.

Mario Mandzukic got the winner in injury time to put Croatia, with previously a tournament-best semifinal in 1998 to its name, one game away from winning it all.

England made a blistering start, surging into an early lead thanks to a stunning free-kick from Kieran Trippier. Trippier struck a sweet effort over the Croatia wall in the fifth minute, guiding it perfectly past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and into the top scorer.

Dele Alli had won the free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, when his powerful forward run was abruptly stopped by a Luka Modric foul.

As the first half progressed, and with England dominant, the opportunity was there to put the game away. A second goal would likely have done it. Kane had the best shot at it, finding himself through on goal, firing at Subasic, then knocking a second effort against the post.

But the game opened up in the second half and while England was enjoying plenty of possession it was giving Croatia the kind of space it enjoys.

With 68 minutes gone, things were level. Ivan Perisic made a strong run in the box and raised his left cleat high to deflect a cross past Jordan Pickford and into the net. Suddenly, England was rattled and Croatia was resurgent. Perisic was mightily unlucky not to add to his tally when his angled shot beat Pickford but cannoned off the post.

Croatia had already gone into extra time in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals, prevailing on penalty kicks on both occasions. England had also won on penalties against Colombia in the second round.

Extra time arrived again and was predictably tense. Mandzukic had Croatia’s best chance at the end of the first additional period, but Pickford blocked his shot from close range. But Mandzukic would not be denied just after the break. John Stones was slow to pick up Mandzukic’s run onto a Perisic header, and Pickford was beaten by a left-foot shot that sealed England’s fate and sent Croatia into dreamland. </s> Two nations who have been waiting years to put right the bitter memories of World Cup semi-final defeats will face each other on Thursday (AEST) in Moscow with the chance to finally go one step further.

England's last appearance at this stage was in 1990 when they lost in a penalty shootout to West Germany in Turin while eight years later, in their first World Cup as an independent nation, Croatia lost to hosts and eventual winners France.
Croatia defeats England 2–1 after extra time, advancing to their first-ever World Cup final, which will be against France on July 15.