The second semi-final clash between England and Croatia lived up to the hype with both sides coming out in full swing to set-up a date with France in the final. The game went off to a flying start after Kieran Trippier found the back of the net via a well-executed set-piece inside the fifth minute.
Having held on till half-time, England's lead was relinquished by Ivan Perisic in the 68th minute. The Inter Milan winger got a deft touch on a cross to tie the game after rushing to get ahead of Kyle Walker who was angling for a header inside the penalty area.
The controversy, however, emanates from the fact that some believe the boot of the Croatian forward caught the head of Walker in his attempt at goal. Did he or did he not foul the Manchester City defender? Below are a few reactions:
Perisic's high foot would have been a foul anywhere else on the pitch. Typical that we're on the wrong end of more bad officiating at a World Cup #EnglandvsCroatia
— Mitch (@Onlythetruth38) July 11, 2018
Perisic's finish with his boot at Walker's head is called as a foul for dangerous play if he's a defender making a clearance. Exposing studs and endangering an opponent. Imbalanced application of the laws of the game. #bitterdefender #engcro
— James Pollitt (@james_pollitt) July 11, 2018
That should have been a foul. High boot by Perisic sincerely.
— Habayommy... (@ajajuappenation) July 11, 2018
Perisic 's goal is a crystal clear foul!!! #CroatiavsEngland
— serkan izgi (@srknizgi) July 11, 2018
If perisic does that anywhere else on the pitch it's a foul so what's the difference.....
— Andrew Betts (@betts_andrew_) July 11, 2018
That's a foul on Perisic for a ridiculously high boot, but irregardless, what a finish. Finally this match gets some life.
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) July 11, 2018
Imagine being a fan of football and saying with a straight face that Perisic goal was a foul
— Antaine Lancaster (@Antainel92) July 11, 2018
The England player dove for the ball knowing he wouldn't get there in time, Perisic was in front of the defender and hit the ball first. That's why there is no foul or dangerous play. If the defender reached the ball first then a dangerous play would have been called
— NellyB (@NellyNells_) July 11, 2018
