- Title: Excitement builds in Moscow ahead of Croatia-England semi-final
- Date: 11th July 2018
- Summary: CROATIA CREST (SOUNDBITE) (English) CROATIA FAN, TOM ZUPCEC, SAYING: "It's their last day here. They (England) will have to go so we are celebrating with them. (REPORTER ASKING OFF CAMERA 'THEY SAY IT'S COMING HOME, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THAT?') They're going home, they're going home. That's it." (SOUNDBITE) (English) CROATIA FAN, ZELJKO MADIC, SAYING: "We have the better tea
- Embargoed: 25th July 2018 01:47
- Keywords: FIFA World Cup World Cup semi-final Croatia v England supporters fans
- Location: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
- City: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA0068O5ZI9R
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: English and Croatian fans rallied for their national teams on Tuesday (July 10), the eve of their World Cup semi-final match in Moscow.
Dozens of English fans at a bar on a Moscow pedestrian street singing "It's coming home" were countered by a handful of Croatians, responding "England's going home".
This is the first time the two sides have met at the World Cup, and it is a long time coming for both. England last went to a semi-final in 1990 and Croatia fought France in the semis in 1998.
Both teams' fans predicted victory despite the surprise outcomes this tournament has produced.
"I've said 2-1. I'm calling 2-1 now. I think Croatia will score but I think we'll score more," said England fan John Round.
"2-1 in 90 minutes. No extra time, no penalties. None of that nonsense. Straight 90-minute result."
Croatian fan Zeljko Madic said his side would win 3-1.
"We have the better team. We have (midfielder Luka) Modrić, we have (goalkeeper Dominik) Livakovic, we have (forward Mario) Mandzukic, we have (defender Dejan) Lovren, we have (coach) Zlatko Dalic. Zlatko Dalic is the best coach in history."
Croatia and England face off on Wednesday (July 11) at 2100 local (1800 GMT) at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2018. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None