“52 years of pain” and the “fiery miracle” – press reviews after the semi-finals

Football's motherland is crying after defeat to Croatia, but the Three Lions have also "made England proud", wrote the Sun.

The Mirror predicts “four more years of pain” after a “heartbreaking semi-final” (Daily Mail).

In Croatia the media celebrates “the fiery miracle” (Jutarnji list). Slobodna Dalmacija writes: “Wonderful, incredible Croatia! Brave, combative and fiery. Croatia is making football history. The 'lucky' 13th World Cup finalist. As the second smallest country.”

SportNews provides an overview of the press reviews after the second semi-final.

ENGLAND The Sun: “You have made us proud. England are eliminated from the World Cup, late winners Croatia break the hearts of the nation.”

Mirror: “Four more years of pain! The Three Lions' hearts break as England lose to Croatia in extra time. England gave hope to a nation, but is battered because it squandered the chance of a lifetime. We will never have a better chance again. After 52 years, the joke continues.”

Daily Mail: "Everything is over! The Three Lions were eliminated from the World Cup in a heartbreaking semi-final. Kieran Trippier's goal after five minutes made millions dream, only to have their hopes dashed in extra time.”

The Guardian: “England’s dream has shattered. The Three Lions got off to a perfect start, but Croatia were stronger in the second half.”

The Telegraph: “Total heartbreak as Mario Mandzukic takes down our brave Three Lions in extra time.” The Times: “England suffer fresh heartache as Croatia fight back to reach final. “Don't look back in anger,” a song by Oasis, editor.) sang the England fans to their heartbroken players as they stood exhausted and defeated in front of them at the end. Watch along Proudly back.” KROATIAN Jutarnji list: “Forget 98, now it’s 2018. Croatia is in the World Cup final! And now just France. The fiery miracle.”

24sata.hr: “Croatia is in the final! Celebrate guys, you deserve it. Is this a dream? We are in the final. Cry, hug, celebrate.”

Slobodna Dalmacija: “Wonderful, incredible Croatia! Brave, combative and fiery. Croatia is making football history. The 'lucky' 13th World Cup finalist, as the second smallest country.” SPAIN Brand: “Historic Croatia. Perisic's equalizer was on the verge of dangerous play. But that's football. After that everything changed. England completely disappeared from the scene. Mandzukic makes four million Croatians happy. Modric deserves the title and the golden ball.”

AS: “No team has such an intelligent player with leadership qualities like Modric. Modric ruled like an emperor. Croatia is upside down. The better team made it to the final. Mandzukic has once again shown what a ripped off guy he is.”

Sports: “A great Croatia turns the game around and is in the World Cup final for the first time. The English dream of being in the final again 52 years later was shattered. Croatia is on cloud nine.” El Mundo Sports: “Mandzukic is already a legend in Croatia. It was the Croatians' third extension in a row and their hearts are holding out. They are heroes for eternity. England only showed their World Cup form in the first half.” SWITZERLAND Look: “The Croats are creating something historic! Mandzukic suddenly appears in front of the English goal – and scores coldly. In the 109th minute. The 'Three Lions' are tamed and subdued. Football is not coming home...”

The New Zurich Times: “Croatia is destroying England’s dream. Experience and will are the deciding factors for the Croatians in extra time.”

Aargauer Zeitung: “The Croats earned their qualification for the final through a significant increase in performance towards the end of the game.” AUSTRIA Krone newspaper: “Croatia ends England's 'summer fairytale'. Croatia has done it - for the first time in their history the 'Kockasti' are in the final of a World Cup!” The Standard: “The English are extending their 52 years of pain, that’s how long they wait for a second title, that’s how long they wait for a second final.”

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“52 years of pain” and the “fiery miracle” – press reviews after the semi-finals

England in mourning: While the motherland of football is once again crying, Croatia is in a state of emergency. SportNews shows the press reviews after the second semi-final.

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