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Cape Town - England fans stayed behind at the Luzhniki Stadium after Croatia ended the Three Lions' hopes of reaching the Soccer World Cup final.
READ: Modric hits out at English media after semi-final win
Despite Gareth Southgate's charges taking an early lead through a magnificent Kieran Trippier free-kick, plucky Croatia kept showing signs of improvement as the match progressed.
Late in the second-half, Ivan Perisic equalised for the Luka Modric-lead side which took the match beyond 90 minutes.
England's energy slowly deteriorated and were duly punished for their lack of concentration in defence.
With 11 minutes left of extra-time, Mario Mandzukic pounced on a lose ball in the penalty area to send Croatia to their first ever World Cup final.
Proud of their nation, the 10 000-strong England fans opted to stay behind and sing several songs to cheer up their players.
ALSO READ: Prince William urges England to hold heads high
England will now meet Belgium for the 3rd Place encounter on Saturday, July 14 (kick-off at 16:00 SA time).
Meanwhile, the final will be played on Sunday, July 15 between France and Croatia (kick-off at 17:00 SA time).
WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW:
Full video of @GarethSouthgate’s long-awaited emergence from the tunnel - precisely 70 minutes after the final whistle. The @England fans had been chanting for him non-stop while he was inside conducting all his media duties. #mixedemotions #Eng pic.twitter.com/u1BO08uJAe
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) July 12, 2018
The final whistle last night. @England players were devastated but the #Eng fans were proud. Two years is a long time in football.... pic.twitter.com/q8HXunqTKS
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) July 12, 2018
So, that’s it. England are out of the World Cup. It was a great effort from a young squad and the fans did them proud. ????????????????
— Footy (@Footy) July 12, 2018
?? @GaryLineker pic.twitter.com/06KZEHpsRC
England fans singing 'Don't Look Back In Anger' after the match last night ?? (Via @GaryLineker) #WorldCup2018 #CROvENG #EnglandvsCroatia #WorldCupRussia2018 pic.twitter.com/fZwPL6CK83
— LovinManchester (@Lovinmanc) July 12, 2018
England fans have stayed behind at the Luzhniki and are singing Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gn3twWZGJP
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) July 11, 2018
