Good morning, David Cooper here with everything you need to know in the world of sport.
TOP STORY
Croatia have the chance to “settle a score” against France in the World Cup final, according to head coach Zlatko Dalic.
It was Les Bleus who ended the fledgling nation’s previous run at the 1998 tournament as Aime Jacquet’s side triumphed 2-1 in the semi-final on their way to lifting a maiden World Cup trophy against Brazil in the final on home soil.
The Vatreni are into their first ever World Cup final following an extra-time 2-1 victory over England in Moscow on Wednesday.
They will meet France in Sunday’s final at the same venue and Dalic feels the clash at the Luzhniki Stadium is an opportunity for his nation to avenge the defeat of 20 years ago.
“In 1998, I was in France for the first three games as a supporter. I had to go back [to Hajduk Split] for pre-season for the last games,” said Dalic, who up until 18 months ago was in charge of Al Ain in the UAE.
WORLD CUP
Gareth Southgate was heartbroken but proud after England’s extraordinary summer ended just short of the World Cup final.
Mario Mandzukic secured a 2-1 win in extra-time, propelling the country to a first World Cup final as England’s manager wondered what could have been – 22 years on from his semi-final heartache at Euro 96.
“I think that’s maybe something for a couple of days’ time because at the moment we all feel the pain of the defeat,” Southgate said when asked how the loss leaves England.
“Did we expect to be in this position? I don’t think realistically any of us did.
“But when you’ve got to this point and we’ve played in the way we have, and as well as we did in the first half, then you want to take those opportunities in life.
Read our player ratings, player focus and talking points from the game in Moscow.
CRICKET
Life without AB de Villiers will begin for South Africa on Thursday when they take on hosts Sri Lanka at Galle in the first of two Test matches.
Both teams come into the series off the back of impressive results with the Proteas having demolished Australia 3-1 at home while the Sri Lankans fought back valiantly to draw the recent three-Test series in the West Indies 1-1.
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Tennis: Wimbledon (From 16:00)
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