Photographer unwittingly becomes part of Croatia World Cup goal celebration

Croatia reached the final for the first time in their history

Croatia's forward Mario Mandzukic (C) offers to help AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after he fell on him with teammates while celebrating their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Yuri CORTEZ / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS
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When Croatia scored the goal that took them into the World Cup final on Wednesday, an AFP photographer unwittingly became part of the celebrations as he was buried under a pile of joyous players.

After Mario Mandzukic scored in extra-time to give Croatia a 2-1 win against England in the semi-final, he ran to a corner of the pitch at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium to share his joy with his teammates.

Croatia's forward Mario Mandzukic (C) offers to help AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after he fell on him with teammates while celebrating their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Yuri CORTEZ / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS
Croatia's forward Mario Mandzukic, centre, offers to help AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after he fell on him with teammates while celebrating their winner against England. Yuri Cortez / AFP Photo
Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018  Croatia's Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic celebrate with an AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after their second goal   REUTERS/Carl Recine
Croatia's Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic celebrate with AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after their second goal. Reuters

"I was just changing my lens as the players ran towards me," said photographer Yuri Cortez, who was positioned next to the pitchside advertising boards.

"They just kept coming towards me and they fell on me! It was a crazy moment, they were delighted. Then they suddenly realised that I was underneath them," said Mexico City-based Cortez.

Quick as a flash, he picked up his camera and took some remarkable close-up shots of the Croats' joy.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018  Croatia players celebrate next to an AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after Mario Mandzukic scores their second goal   REUTERS/Carl Recine
Croatia players celebrate next to AFP photographer Yuri Cortez after Mario Mandzukic scores their second goal. Reuters

"Then they asked me if I was OK. Another one picked up my lens and another player [Domagoj Vida] gave me a kiss."

Croatia, who have reached the final for the first time in their history, will play France on Sunday.

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