Published on 12:00 AM, July 13, 2018

Caught in a landslide

Agence France-Presse photographer Yuri Cortez unwittingly became part of Croatia's unrestrained celebrations as he was buried under a pile of joyous players after the Croats scored the decisive goal against England in their World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. PHOTO: REUTERS

At Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium to record proceedings from behind his camera, Agence France-Presse snapper Yuri Cortez became part of the action after Mario Mandžukić scored what proved to be the winning goal deep into extra-time.

Mandzukic offers a hand to AFP photographer Yuri Cortez. Photo: AFP

"I was just changing my lens as the players ran towards me. 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. Then they asked me if I was OK. Another one picked up my lens and another player (Domagoj Vida) gave me a kiss," AFP photographer Yuri Cortez said.