England's Harry Maguire (centre) celebrates scoring the opening goal for his team against Sweden (zeenews.india.com photo)
Croatia set up a semi-final clash with England, beating Russia 4-3 on penatlies after a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday to end the World Cup hopes of the host nation. Denis Cheryshev with his 4th goal of the tournament, had given Russia the lead with a stunning strike in the 31st minute but eight minutes later an Andrej Kramaric header brought Croatia level.
With the scores locked at 1-1 after full time, the match went into extra time where Domagoj Vida's header gave Croatia the lead in the 110th minute but once again Russia would rise to the ocassion through Brazillian-born Mario Fernandes in the 115th. And with the locked at 2-2 after extra time, it was on to penalties to decide the winner. The Croatians are making the semi-finals for the first time since their debut at the tournament in 1998.
The Croatians will face England in the last four on Wednesday after the English booked their spot with a 2-0 win over Sweden in their quarter-final contest earlier in the day. Harry Maguire gave the English team the lead in the 30th minute before Deli Alli sent them 2-0 up in the 59th minute. England are in the last four for the first time since 1990 and only the third time in their history.
They went on to win their home tournament in 1966 but lost to West Germany on penalties in 1990. Belgium and France will clash in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
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