The second semi-final pits two teams who have smashed pre-tournament expectations, with one of them guaranteed to make the final.
With each game, the belief that football is coming home only becomes stronger for England's barmy fans. The key to their success in Russia has been the sense of togetherness and squad harmony that gaffer Gareth Southgate has managed to foster.
Oh, and Harry Kane.
The Spurs marksman didn't score against Sweden, which is a bad sign for Croatian fans. It was the first game as England captain where he hasn't found the back of the net. Expect Kane to get straight back onto the scoresheet here, as he looks to lead his youthful side into the final.
If Croatia are to progress, you feel that they have to get the win in regular time. They are coming off back-to-back penalty shoot-out wins after 120 minutes of football in each game.
As England won in a canter against Sweden, fatigue could definitely become an issue for the Croats, especially if the game goes to extra time.
While Jordan Henderson has been solid in the middle of the park for England, he'll be no match for the midfield maestros Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. This is where Croatia's advantage lies, and potentially how they win the game.
Furthermore, seven of Croatia's ten goals in Russia have come from open play. This is contrasted with the Three Lions, who have only scored three of their eleven goals from open play.
This statistic highlights the significance of Croatia's superiority in creating chances and goals. If they can contain England from set-pieces, you'd back the Balkans to outscore their opponents.
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren will be crucial for Croatia. While he is prone to making the odd mistake, Lovren's game has definitely improved in the past six months. Playing in the EPL, Lovren also has the added benefit of match-day experience defending the likes of Kane, Sterling and Lingard.
Key Players
Kieran Trippier (England)
Besides Kane, the unheralded Trippier has been the Three Lions' best player in Russia. The right wing-back has been decisive in defence, winning an impressive 70% of duels.
However, it is attack where he has excelled, having 13 shot assists, creating three big chances, and recording one goal assist.
Trippier has created more big chances than anyone in the England and Croatia squads, including Modric and Rakitic.
He shapes up to be England's creator in chief once again, and his combination with club teammate Kane, is likely to prove particularly dangerous.
Mario Mandzucic (Croatia)
The Juve man has been below par in front of goal in Russia. His one goal came from his only shot on target, spraying his other 7 shots wide.
However, Mandzucic has been good in other departments, recording an impressive six shot assists and one goal assist to date.
If he can find some composure and finish his chances- a task that is well within his capabilities- Mandzucic could spearhead his nation into their first ever World Cup final.
Key Stat
Croatia have had 8 different goal scorers in Russia, while England have only had 5.
World Cup Betting Tip
Croatia to win in regular time @ $3.50 or England to win on penalties @ $9
Reasoning: Coming off two tough games that went all the way to penalties, Croatia need to win in 90 minutes to avoid the fatigue factor.
They have all the quality and creativity to do so, against a team that has had a very easy run to the semis.
However, if they can't get it done in 90 minutes, the game may very well go to penalties.
When England played Colombia and the game went to extra time, the Three Lions looked to be playing for penalties rather than going for the win, confident that they would get the job done from the spot.
With Croatia triumphing in their last two shoot-outs, you'd expect their luck to run out if the game went to penalties again.
Jul 11, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
Key Stat
World Cup Betting Tip
