England vs Croatia, July 12: Lions roar
Croatia did not have the best preparation for the semi-finals, as the body was being worn out. Meanwhile, England is extremely excited by the historical moment. It is likely that the three will beat Croatia to win tickets to the World Cup finals for the first time after more than 50 years of waiting.
On the sideline of the semi-finals, the Croatian press spoke of the 1998 World Cup. That was the tournament that Davor Suker's generation put Croatia on in the semi-finals. Now, Luka Modric's generation, Ivan Rakitic has balanced the achievements of the men. But they certainly do not want to stop here. Coach Zlatko Dalic and his students want to make Croatia the first World Cup final.
The hope of Croatia is enormous. But in front of them is also difficult. The biggest worry is the physical side. Two consecutive games in the knock-out Croatia have to play extra kick, then the turn penalty. The strength of the Croatian players certainly wear out. And the question is whether they will be able to keep up the best in the face of the British? Not to stop there, winged defender Sime Vrsaljko also injured can not be present in the match tonight. The substitute for Sime Vrsaljko is Vedran Corluka, who started a match at the 2018 World Cup. Corluka is 32 years old and he has enough speed to cling to the young and fast nose of the Three.
Fear not stop at the force issue. As well as the coach Dalic also have many things to calculate. Because the statistics are indicating Croatia is extremely weak in defense at fixed situations. Evidence that in Croatia, Croatia conceded four goals, three of which came from fixed situations. Croatia took Mario Fernandes's lead 2-2 up for Russia from a direct free kick. Meanwhile, everyone knows how dangerous UK "dead ball". Coach Gareth Southgate has scored 11 goals in the 2018 World Cup, eight of which came from fixed situations, accounting for 73% of the goals. Croatia may well be hated from the "dead ball" tonight.
If the opponent is not the best preparation, he is extremely excited. In the fog of recent days people have talked about the dream of bringing "football home". Because the British understand that they are close to the 2018 World Cup finals than ever before. Southgate even said, "Maybe this opportunity will never happen to us again."
You have the right to self-confidence. Because what they showed Sweden in the quarterfinals is great. It was the best game since the beginning of the tournament. They have a solid defense with a Jordan Pickford that delivers absolute trust in the wood frame. They also have a lot of explosive points. When Harry Kane backed up as a "birdie", the remaining arrows like Dele Alli or Jesse Lingard would be ready to shine. Most importantly, the key to winning this England team is that they are a team, a family of 11 warriors or even 11 workers fighting together, not a team. of the individual stars as in the early 2000s. Solidarity, instead of star-like as before, is helping England fly high.
Ten years ago, it was Croatia who beat England at Wembley to make the UAE missing at EURO 2008. Southgate and his students are ready to claim the debt tonight.
Information:
England: No significant absences.
Croatia: Away from Sime Vrsaljko due to injury.
He won 7/20 matches in Asia.
The last 20/20 games in England have had at least one goal in the first half.
Croatia won the last 7/20 matches in Asia.
Croatia's last 20/20 games have total goals.
