CROATIA CAN SETTLE A 20-YEAR-OLD SCORE AGAINST FRANCE – DALIC

Les Bleus won their semi-final on the 1998 world Cup and the present day manager stated his group had a chance to avenge that defeat

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic told his team they'd a chance to "settle a score" against France in the world Cup final.

Goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic helped Croatia to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over England in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The result saw Croatia attain a first world Cup final, in which France await in Sunday's decider in Moscow.

It was France that ended the nation's previous run at the showpiece event, triumphing their 1998 semi-final 2-1 before going on to claim the title.

And Dalic said the 2018 final was an opportunity for Croatia to avenge the defeat of two decades ago.

"In 1998, i was in France for the first three matches as a supporter. I needed to go back [to Hajduk Split] for pre-season for the last games," he said.

"Of course, everyone in Croatia recalls [Lilian] Thuram, the 2-1. This has been the discussion for the previous  two decades.

"Maybe this game has a historical importance. The chance to settle a score. Both groups have shown their qualities and are deserved finalists.

"This is football, what we must do is focus on getting ready the best game in the event; the final."

Croatia had been incredibly pushed to extra time for a third consecutive  game, with Mandzukic scoring a 109th-minute winner.

Dalic lauded his team's character after they got here from behind for the third consecutive game.

"I insisted that I cannot teach those players football, they play incredible football already. I am in charge of a few other matters. This is what they have accepted," he said.

"To begin with, on their part there was no full trust and self assurance, however; as the tournament advanced they've gained self assurance. They're more potent in terms of mentality, strength.

"I stated this match could be won by teams with character who execute on the pitch as their coach shows them. We were 1-0 down in three games in a row and we overtook all these. We have accomplished that today in extra time.

"On top of all the football qualities, they have shown character. We are a nation of people who are proud, never give in and have character."

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