Croatia did it, they really did.
The tiny Balkan nation, with not more than a population of 4.2 million reached the final of a World Cup for the first time. In doing so, the Vatreni become the 13th nation to qualify for a World Cup final and the first since Spain in 2010.
Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic did more than defeat England 2-1, they defeated an entire anthem. No words have been more used this tournament than those three ones. Yes those three, “It’s coming home.”
The words associated with England’s foray to the World Cup semi-final have become a source of pride for the supporters of the Three Lions, while serving as a never-ending root of mirth and memes fans of other countries, especially those in the tournament at the business end.
Despite the fact that England avoided the tougher side of the draw and that they beat Tunisia, Panama, Colombia (sans James Rodriguez) and Sweden en route to a semi-final, the sense among the fans seemed to one of pride at their team’s run deep into the tournament. Hopes of a return to the finale, 52 years after that famous triumph, grew brighter after an eraly goal but it was not to be.
Croatia, led by the enigmatic Luka Modric and led by the indefatigable Mandzukic put paid to those hopes in their third extra-time game of the tournament.
There was plenty of appreciation for the magnitude of Croatia’s achievement.
I’m so proud of our Boys & to be honest, the whole country. I’ve been inspired by the spirit of our people all coming together during this time. It’s what makes me so proud to be British. Let’s hold on to that fighting spirit & stand tall & United. It will come home one day! 🙌🏾
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 11, 2018
Croatia last population census was about 4.2m - the smallest country to play in a World Cup final since Uruguay 1950, and it's obviously a very different - and much bigger - football world since then. Astonishing achievement.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) July 11, 2018
Congratulations #Croatia 🇭🇷. The better team won 👏🏻. Best of luck in the final. Looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer for it to come home.#WorldCup
— Bradley James (@BradleyJames) July 11, 2018
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! 🇭🇷🇭🇷🇭🇷
— Ivan Lapanje (@Hashtag_Boras) July 11, 2018
Croatia will play in a World Cup final. A population of 4 million. This is the biggest day in Croatian history. Whatever happens in the final against the mighty France this squad has written history. They will forever be remembered as heroes.
From coaching mid table Saudi side Al-Faisaly 8 years ago, getting sacked by both Al-Hilal and Al-Ain, to taking his national team Croatia to a World Cup final tonight, Zlatko Dalic ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/kf7jTnHh12
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) July 11, 2018
Croatia had 22 shots, 7 on target, compared to England’s 11, 1 on target. Can’t really complain with result.
— Natalie Pirks (@Natpirks) July 11, 2018
I genuinely want Croatia to win in the final. Something about a new team winning the cup & an underdog excites me. Go make history
— Lemonator (@TheGamingLemon) July 11, 2018
Full congratulations to Croatia, they deserved to progress in the end. A special word to Ivan Perišić and Luka Modrić who never stopped running. Absolute monsters. World class players who gave their all for their country.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) July 11, 2018
England fans, despite some obvious disappointment, chose to look at the bright side.
Utterly choked, but this young side gave absolutely everything. It’s a huge step forward and they’ll only get better in the future. They can hold their heads high, they did our country proud. Congratulations to Croatia.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2018
The England squad have given the whole country a buzz for 3 weeks, but Croatia getting to the final with a population of 4 million is extraordinary. #ENGCRO #WorldCup
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 11, 2018
We were great, weren’t we? 6-1 wins; penalty shoot-outs; loveable team; classy manager. Everything England have never been before. We’re world champs at Under-20 and Under-17, so I reckon we’re now perennial semi-finalists - it’s not *if* it’s coming home but *when*.
— James Harkin (@JamesHarkin) July 11, 2018
Devastating. But an England team that can come home with pride. Well done. #ENG #WorldCup
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) July 11, 2018
Gutting, but well fought, 🏴 . Gotta hand it to you 🇭🇷 . Always appreciate a good underdog story.#WorldCup
— Troy Baker (@TroyBakerVA) July 11, 2018
360 minutes, 2 penalty kick shootouts & a comeback in a semifinal. 🇭🇷 has absolutely earned their place in the #WorldCup final. 👍🏼
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 11, 2018
lest we forget how dire it has sometimes been in the past England played some actual beautiful football - esp in first half tonight- it’s the start of something brilliant
— Simon Schama (@simon_schama) July 11, 2018
Disappointed result given a great start tonight @England @FIFAWorldCup chances missed which were costly- but don’t forget how far they come the lads & fans should be proud of how far they’ve come 🏴⚽️👍
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) July 11, 2018
Me and my boys watched the match and for a brief moment we danced, hugged, screamed and believed. Whatever the score, that was such a special moment to share. Thank you to Gareth Southgate and the wonderful England team.
— Eddie Marsan (@eddiemarsan) July 11, 2018
This England team are great. Gareth Southgate is great. This World Cup has been great. We all needed this. Thanks lads.
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) July 11, 2018
England achieved so much more than most thought they would. And they did it in a way that suggests this was not an end but a beginning
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) July 11, 2018
It’s NOT coming home but I tell you what... I’m massively Proud of this @England team, hard to take losing in the semi final but from a team who had no expectations. They are lions and I can’t wait to see this team go into battle again👍🏻🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/aA69CE0H91
— Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) July 11, 2018
The pain is palpable. #Eng paid for missed chances when running all over Croatia in the 1st half. Never quite had a grip after that. Feel such pride for Gareth & this team. Magnificent ambassadors. Future looks terrific. Thanks for a brilliant few weeks, & congrats to #Cro 👏
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) July 11, 2018
There was some criticism too...
The English media’s complete lack of attention of the fact their team didn’t play any teams of the top level was staggering. They had hyped the team up without recognising the lack of real opposition. England are not WC finalist quality. 2/2
— Michael Stewart (@mstewart_23) July 11, 2018
All in all if you put the World Cup into perspective what did you expect?
— Dezil Dez 🇳🇬 (@DezilDezz) July 11, 2018
Beat Tunisia with a late goal
Beat Panama
Lost to Belgium
Beat Colombia on penalties
Beat Sweden
Lost to Croatia
Basically lost to every decent team, and struggled against any half decent team.
And what’s football on Twitter without some pointed humour...
FREQUENTLY USED ENGLAND JOKES:
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) July 11, 2018
1) World Cup Brexit
2) Hard Brexit
3) England is Coming Home
4) It’s not Coming Home
5) Harry Kane playing or Lookalike from TV?
6) The Harry Kane lookalike would play better than Harry Kane.
7) They could sure use those beers at Hyde Park now.
Who’d have thought that England and Belgium would play *two* games they’d almost rather not play at the same World Cup?
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) July 11, 2018
At least an England vs Belgium game in which nobody can actually win won’t be seen as a metaphor for anything.
— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) July 11, 2018
England: "Football! You're coming home!"
— Darth Putin (@DarthPutinKGB) July 11, 2018
Football: "No thanks, I think I'll stay in the EU"#ENGCRO
It's coming home
— Stephanie (@wydsteff) July 11, 2018
It's coming ho
It's coming
It's com
It's c
It’s Cr
It’s Cro
It's Croatia.
#CROvENG
“Hello mum, we’re coming home. Help me clean my room.” pic.twitter.com/2I20MzehBW
— Team France 🇫🇷 (@Iam_Abdulaxis) July 11, 2018
We never said WHEN it was coming home #EngCro ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/SmzIFAt43d
— Michael Lee (@MikeRealist) July 11, 2018
Allow Stephen Fry to sum it up, if you are an England fan...
Sad. Proud. Annoyed. Relieved. Disappointed. Unsurprised. Impressed. Vexed. Gutted. Elated. Deflated. Despondent. Encouraged. Defeated. Defiant. Broken. Resilient. Inspired. Silly. All those things #ENGvCRO 🏴 🇭🇷
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) July 11, 2018
