Chapter 654: The Usually-Notoriously Tricky 2-0 Lead

The intensity on the pitch was mounting with each passing second as the semi-final between Ivory Coast and England continued in the Luzhniki Stadium. 

The scoreboard showed 2-0 in favor of the Ivorians, thanks to Wilfried Zaha's opportunistic brilliance and Zachary Bemba's sensational free-kick. However, England's determination was unwavering, especially with the match still in the first half. They weren't ready to surrender.

In the 36th minute, England prepared to launch another offensive. John Stones initiated the move, passing to Jordan Henderson. Henderson, with a quick glance up, found Dele Alli. Alli did not waste any time and played a swift pass to Jesse Lingard. Lingard felt Zachary closing in and, after a single touch, released the ball to Kieran Trippier on the right wing.