World Cup 2018

Reaching World Cup final a 'miracle', says Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic claims Croatia making the World Cup final is a "miracle" after it defeated England 2-1 in Wednesday's semifinal.

Tommy Doleman
12 July, 2018 10:21 IST

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic celebrates after his team beat England to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup.   -  Getty Images

Tommy Doleman
12 July, 2018 10:21 IST

Match-winner Mario Mandzukic says qualifying for the World Cup final was a "miracle" after Croatia defeated England 2-1 in Wednesday's semifinal at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Kieran Trippier and Ivan Perisic scored in regular time, before the Juventus forward lost his marker in the 109th minute to net the winner and his second goal of the tournament.

The win puts Croatia into the decider against France on Sunday and Mandzukic, 32, said his country showed great courage in the come-from-behind win.

View: In pictures: CRO vs ENG

"This is a miracle. Only great teams can be as brave as we were and fight back from a goal down against teams like England. We've played our hearts out throughout the tournament," he said.

"I'm happy with my performance in all the games. I'm here for the team. I like these games. We were under pressure against Denmark and Russia but you all saw what we did today.

"We were like lions out there tonight and we will be the same in the final. We enjoyed the game."

Support Sportstar

Dear Reader,

Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you.

  Dugout videos