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

#2 Ivan Perisic redeems himself

Perisic guided Croatia home

The Inter Milan winger was largely ineffective this tournament and was simply in the starting eleven due to lack of better options in the squad.

Against England, Perisic started the game poorly and had an average first half. He often gave away the ball cheaply and was not offering much on the flanks.

All that changed when Sime Vrsaljko delivered a cross into the box and Perisic beat Walker to volley home the equalizer. The goal worked as a tonic for the winger who then looked almost unstoppable. Soon after, Perisic beat his man and hit the post with a stunning far post drive.

In extra time, Perisic then headed a hopeful ball into the box only to see Mandzukic putting one past Pickford to score the winning goal. The winger played a huge role yesterday in taking Croatia to their first ever World Cup final.

Ivan Perisic has now scored two goals in each of the last three major tournaments for Croatia:2014 World Cup2016 European Championships2018 World CupChanged the mood. pic.twitter.com/X4dvt91VEc

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 11, 2018