2018 world cup final

Croatia will have excess energy for World Cup final - RakiticThe Saigon Times Daily Croatia players during training at Luzhniki Training Field, Moscow, Russia July 13, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS MOSCOW (REUTERS) - Croatia will have more than enough energy to take on France in the World Cup final on Sunday despite being taken to extra time in all three of their World Cup knockout matches, midfielder Ivan Rakitic said. The Croats needed penalties to beat Denmark and Russia in the last-16 and quarter-finals respectively and then played another 120 minutes to edge England in the last four and reach their first tournament final. Some of Rakitic’s team mates looked to have reached their physical limits after the England game and were barely able to get off the pitch. Yet that will matter little in the biggest game the Balkan nation has ever played, Rakitic said on Friday. “There will be excess power and energy, don’t you worry about it,” Rakitic told … [Read more...] about Croatia will have excess energy for World Cup final

Mandzukic sends irrepressible Croatia into first World Cup finalThe Saigon Times Daily Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates scoring their second goal at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia July 11, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS MOSCOW (REUTERS) - Croatia yet again showed their magnificent resilience to come from behind and beat England 2-1 on Thursday as Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time goal sent them into their first World Cup final and a possible revenge mission against France. For the third successive knockout game the Croats trailed, this time to Kieran Trippier’s fifth-minute free kick, but they fought back once more to force extra time. Ivan Perisic levelled after 68 minutes and, having got past Denmark and Russia on penalties, Croatia rolled up their sleeves for another extra period. This time they did not need the shootout as, seemingly gaining in energy when they should have been on their knees, they took charge and won it when Mandzukic struck with a well-taken … [Read more...] about Mandzukic sends irrepressible Croatia into first World Cup final

Umtiti header sends streetwise France into World Cup finalThe Saigon Times Daily France's Samuel Umtiti celebrates scoring their first goal with Olivier Giroud at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia July 11, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS ST PETERSBURG (REUTERS) - Samuel Umtiti’s 51st-minute header sent France into the World Cup final with a ruthless 1-0 win over Belgium in an absorbing first semi-final on Wednesday. Didier Deschamps’ side will face England or Croatia in Moscow on Sunday as the French look to lift the trophy for the second time following their triumph on home soil in 1998. In an enthralling, albeit highly tactical rather than incident-packed match, it was once again a set-piece that proved decisive with Umtiti’s near-post header from an Antoine Griezmann corner settling matters. Having gained the lead, France showed the defensive nous to nullify the threat from Belgium’s Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne, closing out the game … [Read more...] about Umtiti header sends streetwise France into World Cup final