France’s national team have emerged as the winners of the World cup final in Russia after a 4-2 win against Croatia
France welt into wild jubilation after the final whistle as they won the coveted trophy for only the second time in their history after they won their first title in 1998
An own goal by Mario Mandzukic, a penalty from Antoine Griezmann, a belter from Pogba and another goal from Kylian Mbappe was enough to win the game for France while goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic was all the Croatians were able to get from the game.
France started the game in their usual formation with Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane with a midfield anchored by N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba while Olivier Giroud still without a goal in the tournament led the line for the French.
Croatia who have endured 120 minutes in their 3 games and came into the game tired after playing so much football and came in with pretty much the same team that had played all their games.
Croatia started brightly causing havoc to the French defence, but the former World cup winners were resolute in their defending and refused to let anything get past them.
They started some attacks of their own and during one of these they won a freekick at the edge of the area, Griezmann stood over it and sent in a wicked curler which flicked Mandzukic on its way into the net.
Croatia were quick to hit back with Perisic, but that didn’t last long with the most controversial decision of the game. It was a corner for France and Perisic seemed to handle in the box. The referee, Pitana, had to consult VAR before deciding to give the spot kick.
Griezmann held his nerves and scored from the spot.
In the second half the game was still as exciting with goals from Pogba and Mbappe giving France what proved to be an unassailable lead.
There was still time for a Croatian goal after Hugo Lloris botched a backpass and Mandzukic was able to score.
The game ended 4-2 and brought the curtain down on what can be argued to be the best World Cup of all time.
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