Mario Mandzukic should not have been there at the 110th minute of the crucial World Cup 2018 semifinal between England and Croatia in Russia.
The Croatia player was visibly struggling, his knee battered by hard running and constant knocks with both teams locked at 1-1. It was hard-fought and nobody wanted to give an inch.
It looked like the eventual penalty shootout was looming. But sports makes its own heroes when an opportunity arises. It is all about seizing the moment. Mandzukic’s powerful left foot smashed one into the net while the England defenders took the eye of the ball.
The stadium erupted. Mandzukic hobbled to the sidelines in celebration. This was the defining moment for a team from a country whose population barely touches four million.
This was an outcome which was historic and heart-warming. A fairy-tale which may end in crowning glory at the Luzhinki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
Predators France await, bubbling with confidence after one of their best runs in the premier tournament.
But that will be another story that will play out on Sunday. But for the moment, the Croatians will soak in their moment of triumph. They have never got to the final before.
Their best effort had been a semifinal slot in the 1998 edition of the World Cup in France. They face the same opponents on Sunday who beat them 2-1 last time.
The Croatian team’s mindset is tough. They would have already put back those thoughts and get ready for the battle.
And the Croatians did battle to get where they are. They had a tough group to play in and won through the hard way – penalty shootout against Denmark first and then Russia.
Their belief is that nothing is over until “The Fat Lady Sings”. Battle-hardened and brilliant, captain Luka Modric and his troops have shown great presence of mind and clever thinking from the wings.
Ivan Perisic was a constant threat for England, latching on to a brilliant pass from the wings to slam one in with ferocity. Perisic has played brilliantly throughout the tournament as have Dejan Loren, Ivan Rakitic and others.
Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic has been the wall around which Croatia operate. He was the hero of both shootouts. Surprisingly, England got to the semifinal for the first time since 1990. It must be admitted that they have a relatively easier run but still it was a great achievement.
When the practical Gareth Southgate took over manager, he sought out a young team to shape for the future. And it is to his credit that he took a bunch of friendly footballers and made them into some sort of heroes.
Gone was the swagger of old, where English footballers where more image than real players. The current lot were more down to earth and playing the game was their intention.
Southgate must be hailed for his vision. He is the right man to lead England into World Cup glory which has eluded them since 1966.
Surprisingly no reasons were for the defeat and all the ‘cry baby” stuff was canned. This is the way to go England.Their dignity during defeat was wonderful to watch.
Croatia will take their rest before the final. There are weary legs and minds in the team. But the spirits are soaring.
May The Best Team Win!
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