Croatia beat England to reach first World Cup final

MOSCOW -- Mario Mandzukic struck a dramatic extra-time goal as Croatia secured a place in their first World Cup final with 2-1 victory over England here on Wednesday.

The Juventus forward prompted jubilant scenes in the Croatia camp by ghosting in behind England's defense and lashing a first-time shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

England had taken an early lead courtesy of a Kieran Trippier free-kick before Ivan Perisic showed great athleticism to fire in a second-half equalizer.

Croatia will now meet France in the final on Sunday and they are already guaranteed their best ever World Cup finish, bettering their third placing in 1998.