Dejan Lovren: A child refugee … now he will play in the World Cup final

It’s been 20 years since Croatia not only burst onto the World Cup scene, but also since they advanced beyond the group stages.

And as anticipation has grown each year as to whether Croatia’s squad will finally meet the expectations set in France two decades ago, they finally proved themselves – after a historic win against England during the semifinal on Wednesday.

It’s the smallest country to reach the World Cup final since Uruguay in 1950, and now, Croatia faces its biggest challenge – will the team finally be able to win the final against France and lift the World Cup trophy for the first time ever?

Croatia’s participation in Sunday’s final will mark a remarkable staging post in the journey of one of its key players Dejan Lovren, who experienced life as a child refugee in the 1990s after fleeing war-torn Bosnia.

Even before the World Cup kicked off, the Liverpool defender seemed to think if any Croatian squad can, it’s this one.

Lovren celebrates at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England.

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“We are a small country, only four million people and we have big talent in our squad,” he told CNN Sport in an exclusive interview before the World Cup.

“You look at which payers (are) playing and (from what) teams, it’s quite amazing.”

Croatia's supporters in Zagreb celebrate after their national team equalizes against England.

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Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo) and Filip Bradaric (Rijeka) are the only two members of Croatia’s 23-man squad that play for Croatian clubs, with the other 21 stars having moved abroad to play for an assortment of leading European clubs.

Key to Croatia reaching the final has been the inspirational performances of Real Madrid’s 32-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, who has not only lifted the Champions League trophy four times, but is the heartbeat of this Croatian team.

Then there’s Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakiti? who boasts over 90 caps, as well as robust Juventus striker Mario Mand?uki?.

It was Mand?uki? who was the hero of Wednesday’s dramatic extra-time win – with his vital winning goal in the 109th minute breaking hearts around England and causing pandemonium on the streets of Zagreb.

French players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after defeating Croatia in the final on Sunday, July 15.

French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates with the trophy.

France mobs Kylian Mbappe after his goal gave the team a 4-1 lead.

Croatia's Ivan Strinic reacts during the match.

France manager Didier Deschamps is lifted by his players after the victory. Deschamps was also a player on the 1998 French team that won the World Cup.

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris makes a jumping save against Croatia.

French players celebrate after the final whistle.

French President Emmanuel Macron shows his excitement while watching the match.

Paul Pogba, bottom, runs to the corner after scoring France's third goal.

France's Lucas Hernandez tackles Ante Rebic.

The referee used video review on this play late in the first half and called for a penalty after Ivan Perisic handled the ball in the Croatian box. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to convert the penalty and give France a 2-1 lead.

Perisic, bottom left, scored a spectacular first-half goal to tie the match at 1-1.

Will Smith and Nicky Jam perform during the closing ceremony held before the final.

Belgian players celebrate Eden Hazard's goal in the third-place match against England on Saturday, July 14. The Belgians won 2-0.

Thomas Meunier opened the scoring for Belgium in the fourth minute.

English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts after the first goal against Belgium.

Mario Mandzukic scores against England late in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 victory in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 11.

Mandzukic celebrates after his goal.

Croatia's Ivan Strinic, right, challenges England's Jesse Lingard.

Croatian defender Sime Vrsaljko goes over Ashley Young for a header.

A photographer is knocked over by members of the Croatian team as they celebrate the late Mandzukic goal.

Players collide during the Croatia-England semifinal. Croatia played 120 minutes for the third straight match.

Lingard shields the ball in the corner.

France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the semifinal match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 10. France won 1-0 to advance to the final.

France's Olivier Giroud kisses teammate Samuel Umtiti after Umtiti scored on a header against Belgium.

Giroud is challenged by Belgium defender Vincent Kompany.

France's teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe, jumps over Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Thierry Henry, assistant coach for Belgium and former French captain, consoles Belgian players after the semifinal loss.

Luka Modric jumps for the ball during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia on July 7.

Croatian players celebrate after defeating Russia in a penalty shootout. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time.

Russian forward Fedor Smolov reacts after the Croatia match.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, and Russia's Mario Fernandes go for the ball.

Croatia's Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Russia.

English defenders Harry Maguire, left, and John Stones celebrate their quarterfinal victory over Sweden on July 7. Maguire scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win.

English manager Gareth Southgate celebrates his team's win.

Dele Alli scores on a header for England's second goal.

Swedish players are dejected at the end of the match.

Belgian players celebrate the second goal in their 2-1 win over Brazil on July 6. They advanced to play France in the semifinals.

Brazilian star Neymar reacts after the final whistle.

Belgium celebrates their first goal, which came off a deflected header in the 13th minute.

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaps for a loose ball in the box.

Kevin De Bruyne controls the ball against Brazil.

France's Olivier Giroud, left, and Uruguay's Martin Caceres battle for the ball during their quarterfinal match on July 6. France won 2-0.

Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera watches the ball leak into the net after he misplayed an Antoine Griezmann shot in the second half.

France's Benjamin Pavard, top, and Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez compete for a header.

A France supporter cheers ahead of the match.

English players react after their shootout win over Colombia on July 3. It was England's first-ever shootout win at a World Cup.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao heads the ball toward goal on July 3.

England's Harry Kane tries to control the ball against Colombia. He scored a penalty during regulation time. It was his tournament-leading sixth goal.

Falcao reacts after receiving a yellow card.

Sweden's Emil Forsberg, left, celebrates after scoring against Switzerland on July 3. Sweden won 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

A Sweden fan shows his support during the Switzerland match.

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson.

Belgium players celebrate after Nacer Chadli, third from right, scored with just seconds remaining to win the round-of-16 match against Japan on July 2.

Chadli slides the ball past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to finish off Belgium's 3-2 comeback victory. It is the first time since 1970 that a team has come back from two goals down to win in the World Cup knockout stage.

A Japan supporter cries after the match.

Takashi Inui, left, gave Japan a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Belgium defender Vincent Kompany nearly scores in the first half.

Brazilian star Neymar is fouled by Mexican defender Edson Alvarez during their round-of-16 match on July 2. Brazil won 2-0.

Neymar stretches for a cross to score Brazil's first goal in the 51st minute.

Neymar is held on Paulinho's shoulders after the first goal.

Mexico's Hirving Lozano watches the ball during the Brazil match. This is the seventh straight time that Mexico has been eliminated in the World Cup's round of 16.

Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with teammates after their victory over Denmark on July 1. Croatia won on penalties after the match ended 1-1.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic stops the ball during the Denmark match.

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves an Iago Aspas penalty to give Russia an upset victory over Spain in the round of 16. The match went to penalties after ending 1-1.

Russian players mob Akinfeev after the final save.

Russia's Artem Dzyuba celebrates after scoring against Spain in the first half.

Spain's Isco and Russia's Mario Fernandes vie for the ball.

Dzyuba is defended by Sergio Busquets.

Edinson Cavani celebrates his second goal in a 2-0 victory over Portugal on June 30.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo receives a yellow card from referee Cesar Ramos near the end of the match.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after his team was knocked out of the World Cup by France on June 30. Messi had two assists in the 4-3 loss.

Kylian Mbappe was the star in France's victory over Argentina. The teenage sensation scored twice and drew a penalty that gave France its first goal.

An Argentina fan reacts after the match.

Gabriel Mercado deflected a Messi shot past Hugo Lloris to give Argentina a brief 2-1 lead.

French players celebrate after Benjamin Pavard tied the match at 2-2.

France fans celebrate during the match against Argentina.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina controls the ball during a match against Senegal on June 28. Mina headed in a second-half goal to lift his team to a 1-0 victory -- and first place in Group H.

Colombia's Juan Quintero jumps over Senegal's Idrissa Gana Gueye. Senegal finished with four points in Group H, the same as Japan, but Japan advanced on the "fair play points" tiebreaker. Japan had two fewer yellow cards in the tournament than Senegal.

Senegal fans salute before the match against Colombia.

Poland's Jan Bednarek, left, competes for the ball with Japan's Gotoku Sakai on June 28. Poland won 1-0, but Japan advanced to the next round.

Poland forward Robert Lewandowski dribbles through two Japan players.

Japan supporters clear litter from the stands after the match.

Belgium's Adnan Januzaj curls in a stunning goal against England on June 28. It was the only goal of the match.

The Belgium-England match was notable for how many top players didn't see the field. With both teams already assured a spot in the knockout stage, many of their usual starters took the night off. Among those on the bench for Belgium were captain Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri, center, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the winning goal against Panama on June 28. Tunisia won 2-1.

Panama players celebrate after an own goal gave them an early lead against Tunisia.

Germany's Marco Reus reacts after his team lost to South Korea and was knocked out of the World Cup on June 27. The defending champions lost 2-0 and finished at the bottom of Group F.

South Korea's?Lee?Jae-sung, left, chases down a ball with Germany's Jonas Hector.

Ludwig Augustinsson celebrates after scoring Sweden's first goal in its 3-0 victory over Mexico on June 27. The result meant that Sweden would top Group F and Mexico would finish in second.

Mexican defender Hector Moreno heads the ball in front of Swedish forward Marcus Berg.

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva celebrates after his powerful header gave Brazil a 2-0 lead over Serbia on June 27. Brazil won Group E with two victories and a draw.

Brazil's Willian and Serbia's Filip Kostic fight for the ball.

Brazilian star Neymar controls the ball during the Serbia match.

Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili celebrates after scoring the first goal in his team's 2-2 draw with Costa Rica on June 27. Switzerland finished second in its group to advance to the knockout stage.

Kendall Waston had a goal for Costa Rica in the match against Switzerland.

Costa Rican defender Cristian Gamboa, right, closes in on Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez.

Argentina star Lionel Messi rides on the back of Marcos Rojo after Rojo's late winner against Nigeria on June 26. With the 2-1 victory, Argentina clinched a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Rojo controls the ball earlier in the match against Nigeria.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona was in the crowd once again, drawing attention from fans just as he did when he was a player.

Croatia's Josip Pivaric prepares to chest the ball during the team's 1-0 win against Iceland on June 26. Croatia improved its record to 3-0 in the tournament.

Croatia supporters kiss ahead of the match against Iceland.

Danish players acknowledge fans after their scoreless draw with France on June 26. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage.

Denmark's Martin Braithwaite, left, is tracked by France's N'Golo Kante, center, and Presnel Kimpembe.

Australian player Mark Milligan is joined by his children after a 2-0 loss to Peru on June 26.

Milligan stretches to clear a cross.

Aaron Mooy tugs on the jersey of Peru's Paolo Guerrero.

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma, left, is embraced by Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring against Iran on June 25. Iran scored late to tie the match, but the 1-1 result was enough to see Portugal into the next round.

An Iran fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere.

Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun shields the ball from Portuguese defender Jose Fonte.

Moroccan goalkeeper Munir catches the ball against Spain. That match ended 2-2, with Spain winning the group.

Egyptian star Mohamed Salah reacts after Saudi Arabia's winning goal in second-half stoppage time on June 25. Egypt lost all three of its matches at this World Cup.

Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates with a flip after scoring the match-winning goal against Egypt.

Russia's Artem Dzyuba, in white, competes with Uruguay's Sebastian Coates during Uruguay's 3-0 victory on June 25. Uruguay won all three of its matches in the group stage. This was Russia's first loss.

A Uruguay fan, right, poses with a Russia fan before the match.

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, left, reacts after the second goal deflected past Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Colombian forward Falcao celebrates after scoring against Poland on June 24. Colombia won 3-0.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina opened the scoring with a header in the first half.

A Colombia fan before the Poland match.

Senegalese players huddle up before the second half of their match against Japan on June 24. The two teams tied 2-2.

A shot of the crowd at the Ekaterinburg Arena during the Japan-Senegal match.

English striker Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 6-1 rout of Panama on June 24. Kane finished with a hat trick.

Panama players gather after their defeat.

German players celebrate after Toni Kroos scored on a late free kick to stun Sweden 2-1 on June 23.

South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng, right, argues with Mexico's Edson Alvarez as Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa lies on the ground on June 23. Mexico won 2-1.

South Korea's?Lee?Yong, left, duels for the ball with Mexico's Hirving Lozano.

A Mexico fan waits for the start of the match against South Korea.

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku scores against Tunisia on June 23. He had a pair of goals in the match, which Belgium won 5-2.

Captain Eden Hazard also scored two for Belgium.

Players watch the ball during the Belgium-Tunisia match.

Belgium's Jan Vertonghen, left, challenges Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri.

Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Serbia on June 22. Switzerland won 2-1.

Swiss players defend Serbia's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer catches the ball over Milinkovic-Savic.

Nigerian midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo kicks the ball during a 2-0 victory over Iceland on June 22.

Ahmed Musa celebrates after scoring his second goal of the match against Iceland.

Iceland fans perform their famous viking clap.

Neymar celebrates his last-second goal that finished off Brazil's 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on June 22.

Neymar taps in his goal late in the match.

Croatian players celebrate the second goal in their 3-0 victory over Argentina on June 21. The victory clinched them a spot in the knockout stage.

Croatia's Luka Modric is tackled by Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico.

Willy Caballero is dejected after his flubbed clearance gifted Croatia its first goal.

France's Kylian Mbappe, right, celebrates with teammate Antoine Griezmann after scoring against Peru on June 21. It was the only goal of the match.

Peru's Andre Carrillo is challenged by French players Paul Pogba, left, and N'Golo Kante.

A Peruvian supporter waits for the start of the match.

Australia's Robbie Kruse, foreground, and Denmark's Henrik Dalsgaard go for a header during the teams' 1-1 draw on June 21.

Australia's Joshua Risdon jumps over Thomas Delaney.

Spain's Diego Costa, right, celebrates with teammate Isco after scoring against Iran on June 20. Spain won 1-0.

A fan has his face painted with the colors of the Spanish flag on June 20.

Referee Andres Cunha speaks with Iranian midfielder Ehsan Hajsafi during the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in Portugal's 1-0 win over Morocco on June 20.

Uruguay fans cheer outside the stadium before the match with Saudi Arabia on June 20.

Saudi Arabia's Fahad Al-Muwallad, left, challenges Uruguay's Diego Godin.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Saudi Arabia. It was the only goal of the match, and the final result meant Uruguay and Russia would both advance to the tournament's knockout stage.

Mohamed Salah kisses the ball before scoring a penalty for Egypt on June 19. Russia won, however, by a final score of 3-1.

Egypt's Tarek Hamed, left, and Russia's Aleksandr Golovin compete for the ball.

Russia's first goal came when the ball deflected off Egypt's Ahmed Fathi.

Members of the Senegal team celebrate after defeating Poland 2-1 in their match on June 19.

Japanese defender Gen Shoji climbs over Colombia's Radamel Falcao to win a header in their World Cup opener on June 19. Japan won the match 2-1.

The referee shows a red card to Colombia's Carlos Sanchez in the third minute. Sanchez was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball in the box.

English players celebrate Harry Kane's first goal in the 2-1 win over Tunisia on June 18. Kane later added the winner in second-half stoppage time.

A Tunisia fan shows his dejection after the final whistle.

Belgium's Dries Mertens, right, competes for the ball with Panama's Jose Luis Rodriguez during their World Cup opener on June 18. Mertens scored a goal in Belgium's 3-0 victory.

Panamanian forward Gabriel Torres controls the ball during the match against Belgium.

Sweden's Pontus Jansson, top left, and South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng try to head the ball during Sweden's 1-0 victory on June 18.

Switzerland's Steven Zuber celebrates after scoring a goal against Brazil on June 17. The two teams tied 1-1.

Brazil's Philippe Coutinho and Switzerland's Breel Embolo compete for the ball.

Brazilian star Neymar recently came back from a foot injury.

Mexico's Hirving Lozano, left, celebrates with Jesus Gallardo after scoring the only goal in the upset victory over Germany on June 17.

Fans wave German flags before facing off with Mexico.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a late save against Mario Gomez.

Marcos Ure?a runs onto the pitch during Costa Rica's opening match against Serbia on June 17. Serbia won 1-0.

Croatian players celebrate after Luka Modric scored the second goal of their 2-0 win against Nigeria on June 16.

Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel runs with the ball during the Croatia match.

Denmark's Yussuf Poulsen reacts after he scored a goal against Peru on June 16. It turned out to be the only goal in the match.

Peru's Luis Advincula, left, and Denmark's Martin Braithwaite fight for the ball.

Argentina star Lionel Messi appears downcast at the end of a 1-1 draw with Iceland on June 16. Messi missed a penalty in the match.

Messi and Iceland's Hordur Magnusson struggle for the ball.

Fans of France share a kiss before the team's opening match with Australia on June 16.

French midfielder Paul Pogba keeps his eye on the ball against Australia. His shot deflected off an Australian for the match-winning goal.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first-half penalty against Spain on June 15. He added two more goals in the 3-3 draw.

Spanish defender Nacho, left, competes for a header with Portugal's Bruno Fernandes. Nacho conceded the early penalty to Ronaldo but responded with a second-half goal.

Fernando Hierro was making his debut as Spain's manager. The former captain took over when Spain fired Julen Lopetegui just before the tournament.

Portuguese defender Raphael Guerreiro controls the ball in the match against Spain.

Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz lies on the ground after heading the ball into his own net late in stoppage time on June 15. The whistle was blown just a few moments later, and Iran won 1-0.

Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh grimaces in pain in front of Morocco's Romain Saiss.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez, left, and Egypt's Sam Morsy battle for the ball on June 15. Uruguay won 1-0.

Fans watch the Egypt-Uruguay match from temporary seats set up at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The seats had to be installed to meet FIFA's minimum-seating requirement.

Egyptian midfielder Abdallah Said heads the ball during the match against Uruguay.

Fedor Smolov fights off two Saudi defenders during the tournament opener, which Russia won 3-0 on June 14. Russia and Saudi Arabia came into the match as the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

Fans watching from Yekaterinburg, Russia, celebrate Russia's first goal.

The ball flies past Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf for Russia's fourth goal.

A fan wears body paint in Russia's colors before the opening match.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the crowd before kickoff at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Performers take part in the tournament's opening ceremony.

British pop star Robbie Williams headlined the opening ceremony.

Russian soprano Aida Garifullina sings during the opening ceremony.

The best photos of the 2018 World Cup

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“To be part of the World Cup is already an achievement,” Lovren had said, “but we believe in our quality and we know that we if can get through the group stages we can go far.”

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That they did – and now, thanks to Mand?uki? who ensured Croatia’s fate – they will face France in Moscow on Sunday.

Gianluca Costantini is famous in his native Italy for his satirical drawings. Here he depicts rival superstar footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in advance of the Russia 2018 World Cup. Click or scroll for some of his other depictions of the the key moments of the tournament.

Croatia will compete in its first World Cup final after putting England to the sword in Moscow with a dramatic extra-time win.
For the third consecutive match, Croatia was forced to play 120 minutes after this semifinal ended 1-1 in normal time. But unlike in victories over Russia and Denmark, it did not need penalties to decide the outcome as Mario Mandzukic's 109th-minute winner proved decisive.

Twenty years after France first won the World Cup, Les Bleus moved to within one match of repeating the feats of the celebrated team of 1998 by beating Belgium to reach Sunday's final. A set-piece goal from centre-back Samuel Umtiti ensured France will play its first World Cup final since 2006.

Midfielder Luka Modric has played a key role in Croatia advancing to the semifinals. The Real Madrid star scored a brilliant goal against Brazil in the group stage and has been a consistently creative force for Croatia.

Kevin de Bruyne wonder-strike helped Belgium win a compelling quarterfinal against Brazil.

Belgium completed a stunning second-half comeback to rescue its World Cup hopes and crush those of Japan in Rostov-on-Don. Trailing 2-0 in the second half, headers from Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini hauled Belgium level, before a stunning counterattack saw Nacer Chadli snatch a dramatic last gasp winner with the last kick of the game.

Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic was his team's hero, saving penalties in the shootout from Simon Kjaer, Lasse Schone and Nicolai Jorgensen to inflict a heartbreaking last-16 defeat on Denmark.

Kylian Mbappe ran the show in France's 4-3 last-16 victory over Argentina, scoring twice -- becoming the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to do so -- and winning a penalty for his team's opening goal.

Marcos Rojo's late goal gave Argentina a crucial 2-1 win over Nigeria and sent the South American side through to the last 16 of the World Cup at Russia 2018.

Iago Aspas' deft backheel ensured Spain grabbed a 2-2 draw against Morocco. It was initially ruled out for offside, only for Uzbekistani referee Ravshan Irmatov to award the goal following a VAR review. A point for Spain coupled with a late equalizer for Iran against Portugal meant La Roja topped Group B by virtue of goals scored.

Salem Al-Dawsar scored a late Saudi Arabia winner with the last kick of the game in a 2-1 victory over Egypt to give the Green Falcons their first World Cup victory since 1994.

Toni Kroos' superb free-kick against Sweden delivered a last-gasp winner and brought the Germans the win they desperately needed in the most dramatic fashion to keep the defending champions' World Cup hopes alive.

Romelu Lukaku is having an impressive World Cup. He scored two goals in Belgium's 3-0 win over Panama and grabbed another brace in the 5-2 over Tunisia.

Two delightful goals from the impressive Ahmed Musa secured Nigeria a first victory of the tournament and diminished Iceland's chances of making it into the last 16.

Philippe Coutinho scored one of the goals of the 2018 World Cup in Brazil's opening game against Switzerland with a superb curling shot. The match finished 1-1.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez scored on his 100th international appearance in Uruguay's 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia. It was the 31-year-old's 52nd goal for his country and one of his simplest, side-footing into the net from six yards following a corner. Suarez also becomes the first Uruguayan to score at three World Cups.

Mo Salah finally made his World Cup bow and scored a goal but the Egyptian could not save his country as the Pharaohs' hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of football's showpiece event were all but ended by a clinical Russia.
On a rainy night in St Petersburg, Russia recorded their second convincing win of the group stages with this 3-1 victory against an Egyptian side which had hoped that Salah's return from injury would kickstart their tournament.

Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty in Argentina's opening World Cup game -- the 0-0 draw against Iceland.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a barnstorming start to the 2018 World Cup scoring a hattrick in the 3-3 draw against Spain. His third goal was a stunning free-kick in the closing minutes that ensured Portugal secured a point from the game.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scored his first goal at a World Cup finals in England's 2-1 win over Tunisia. After getting his first he then headed in England's winner.

Hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia were pitted against each other in the World Cup's opening match on Thursday, June 14.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez has history in the World Cup -- the Barcelona forward will hope to avoid controversy in his third tournament, while 45-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary will be playing in his first.

Argentina and Iceland faced off in the Group D opener on June 16 -- the so-called "Group of Death." Both Sergio "Kun" Aguero of Argentina and Iceland's Gylfi Sigurdsson suffered knee injuries prior to the World Cup.

The Group E match between Brazil and Switzerland ended up in a 1-1 draw.

Moments of the 2018 World Cup

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‘My Life as a Refugee’

Lovren has made a documentary for Liverpool’s TV station in which he talks about his escape as a young child from war-torn Bosnia in 1992.

“I just remember when the sirens went on,” said Lovren. “I was so scared because I was thinking ‘bombs’ or that something will happen now.

“I remember my mum took me and we went to the basement, I don’t know how long we’d been sitting there, I think it was until the sirens went off. Afterwards, I remember mum, my uncle, my uncle’s wife, we took the car and then we were driving to Germany.”

His family settled in Germany, but after seven years they were told to leave and had to start life again in Croatia.

Lovren’s participation in Sunday’s showpiece also complete remarkable turnaround for the Croatian defender after he endured an uncertain start to the 2017/2018 season with Liverpool.

In an English Premier League game against Tottenham in October, he was substituted after 31 minutes with Liverpool losing 2-0 – his side went on to lose 4-1 in a woeful performance at Wembley.

After the Spurs game, Lovren said he’s received a “disgusting” death threat against his family on social media.

In an Instagram story, Lovren posted the private message which read: “I’m gonna murder ur family u Croatian p****.”

The defender then wrote: “I don’t mind when people talk s*** about me, it says more about them!

“But I cannot ignore when my family is threatened. I just can’t and won’t accept that.”

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Updated 11:54 AM EDT, Thu July 12, 2018

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Baldwin: Overwhelming sexism at World Cup

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In the early part of the 2017/2018 season the 29-year-old Croat also admitted to taking painkillers to get through some games.

“I have problems with my whole body for the last two weeks, my back and now I have hurt my Achilles tendon,” Lovren told the Croatian paper Sportske Novosti.

“I am taking pills so I can play – five before every game. I play but I cannot train at all. That’s why I skipped matches against Manchester City and Burnley.”

However, Lovren disputed the idea he had had a “difficult season” when he spoke to reporters after Croatia’s win over England

“I took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League,” added Lovren, referring to Liverpool’s feats in reaching European football’s showpiece final, before defeat to Real Madrid. “Now with my national team we are in the final.

“I think people should recognize that I am also one of the best defenders in the world and not just talk nonsense.”

Lovren joined Liverpool in July 2014 in a $26.5 million transfer from Southampton.