Croatia, a small east European nation with a population of just 4 million, become the smallest and lowest ranked team ever to reach a World Cup final.

Croatia president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic an avid supporter of Croatian national team predicts at the Nato summit that her country will lift the World Cup trophy after winning the final against France.

Croatia's cabinet ministers held a session dressed in the red and white checkered jerseys of the national soccer team to celebrate the country's victory in a World Cup semi-final.

"This is a miracle. Only great teams can be as brave as we were and fight back from a goal down against teams like England," says Mandzukic,

France are determine not to make the same mistakes they did two years ago in losing the Euro 2016 final when they take on Croatia for the biggest prize in football, midfielder Paul Pogba says.

Croatia set up a dream final with France as they came from a goal down to beat England 2-1 in a nail-biting semifinal at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday.

The French forward, at just the age of 19 is being considered as a contender for the coveted Ballon d’or but he reiterates that individual award does not interest him as his eyes are set on winning the ultimate prize – the World Cup.

Britain's Prince Harry confidently predicts that England would lift the World Cup as Gareth Southgate's men prepare for their semi-final against Croatia.

Algerian international Riyad Mahrez secures his move to Premier League champions Manchester City, seven months after his hopes are dashed when City refused to pay Leicester's asking price.

The French national anthem La Marseillaise, chants of "We're in the final" and a cacophony of car horns and fire crackers rings out over Paris as residents of the capital celebrates France's march to the World Cup final.

England reaches a semi-final in the tournament since 1990. Croatia, meanwhile makes the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1998.

Belgium goalkeeper Courtois criticises Deschamps's side for a defensive style of play in the World Cup semi-final.

Paul Pogba dedicates France's World Cup semi-final win against Belgium to the 12 boys who survived a harrowing ordeal trapped underground in Thailand.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is almost over. We've been treated to a tournament full of fantastic goals, heartbreaking upsets and plenty of underdog triumphs that add drama to the greatest sporting event in the world.

The Croatia captain Luka Modric carries his excellent club level form that helped Real Madrid secure their 13th UCL title earlier in May to this World Cup as the Croats are now very close to achieving the ultimate glory in Russia.

World Cup glory beckons for Croatian stars such as Luka Modric after several traumatic experiences at major tournaments, says their former coach Slaven Bilic.

For football fans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it's often a case of ABE (Anyone But England). It's tough for them to change the habit of a lifetime and get behind Gareth Southgate's team in the World Cup.

Brazil Football Confederation officials are furious with Brazil star Neymar as he refused to meet with fans when they landed back after World Cup exit.

France will unleash the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann against Eden Hazard's gifted Belgium side in Saint Petersburg with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

"Football is separate from politics, come to Russia and support your national team" says Victoria Lopyreva, glamorous ambassador for the soccer World Cup in Russia.