The wonderfully unexpected adventure of Gareth Southgate and his England squad looked set to continue into Sunday's final when Kieran Trippier curled home an early free-kick against Croatia.
Harry Kane missed a glorious chance to make it two as the Three Lions dominated the opening 45 minutes of their first semi-final since 1990.
But a classy Croatia side gradually took control of the second-half proceedings and forced the game into an extra-time period that brought chances for both teams before Mario Mandzukic's winner sparked wild celebrations for the victors and thoughts of what might have been for England.
As Southgate and his players stood forlornly in front of their travelling supporters it would have been impossible to reflect on their entirely unforeseen progress over the past few weeks.
But the victories against Tunisia, Panama, Colombia and Sweden, coupled with the glorious weather at home mean it has been a summer to remember as England played their part in what has been an unforgettable World Cup.
Credit too must go to Croatia whose quality players such as Modric and Rakitic deserve their chance in Sunday's final against France.