World Cup 2018: 5 talking points from Croatia's 2-1 win over England

Football: Croatia vs England at World Cup
Croatia has reached the World Cup final!

#4 Tactical switch from Croatia changes the complexion of the game

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England v Croatia: Semi Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Zlatko Dalic's tactical tweaks in the second half won it for Croatia

Be it nerves or an early setback, Croatia never really got going in the first half. Zlatko Dalic needed to change something to bring Croatia to the party and engineer a comeback. The manager did not introduce radical changes but made some fine tweaks that exposed England's limitations.

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The duo of Perisic and Rebic were moved further forward to pin England's full-backs back. This led the England midfield to get stretched and Croatia's famed midfield to cut passing lines and attack with intent in the final third. Shifting Luka Modric to the inside right channel was also an inspired move.

England's midfield could not handle their counterparts in the second half and coupled with two moments of negligence, Croatia punished them with two stinging goals. England badly missed a ball carrier to link their midfield with the attack, this was perfectly utilised and exposed by the Croatians.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.
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