Samoa have booked their place in the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time ever courtesy of an incredible golden-point win over England at the Emirates Stadium.
A thrilling contest saw the host nation launch a late fightback to force extra time courtesy of Elliott Whitehead's electric try in the dying stages of normal time, followed up by a nerve-jangling conversion from Tommy Makinson.
However, the errors which had hurt England earlier in the game came back to bite them again in extra time as Stephen Crichton knocked over a drop-goal to secure a history-making 27-26 victory in North London.
Samoa, who were handsomely beaten 60-6 by England in the opening match of the tournament, become the first team outside of England, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France to make the final of the competition.
Matt Parish's men will take on Australia in the final at Old Trafford next weekend, looking to add a further chapter into the history books by dethroning a team that has won eight of the last nine World Cups.
The moment Samoa made history at the Rugby League World Cup and broke England hearts 💔
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 12, 2022
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England went into the match as firm favourites, not only because of their statement-making victory over the same opponents earlier in the tournament, but also because of their home advantage and imperious performances throughout the competition so far.
Shaun Wane's men had won every match by at least 24 points in the run to the semi-final and had averaged a record 61 points per game, but they produced by far their worst performance of the World Cup at the worst time to gift Samoa repeated chances.
Indeed, England may have felt fortunate to have only gone into half time with a four-point deficit following an error-strewn opening 40 minutes.
Tim Lafai and Ligi Sao went over for the tourists either side of an Elliott Whitehead score, and England's below-par performance continued into the second half despite always keeping within touch of Samoa.
Makinson went over soon after the restart, but tries from Crichton and Lafai then gave Samoa a two-score lead for the first time in the match just before the hour mark.
2⃣ Two tries for Tim Lafai 🔥
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 12, 2022
8⃣ Eight-point lead 🔥
England's hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup final are hanging by a thread!
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A brilliant Herbie Farnworth finish and a Makinson penalty drew England level again, but an interception try from Crichton with seven minutes of normal time remaining appeared to have gifted Samoa a famous late victory.
There were more twists to come, though, as a George Williams break allowed Farnworth to race clear and touch down in the 78th minute, with Makinson's conversion forcing extra time.
England lost the ball to hand Samoa the chance to win, but Whitehead charged out of the defensive line to block the visitors' first attempt at a drop-goal.
However, a forward pass from England skipper Sam Tomkins gifted Samoa another chance to get the match-winning golden point, and this time they made no mistake as Crichton knocked over a long-range drop-goal.
Samoa will again enter the final against Australia as major underdogs, but their passage to the final appears to usher in a new power in rugby league following years of dominance from Australia, New Zealand and England.
Barney Corkhill
