France won the 2018 World Cup after defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final played in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday thanks to an own goal from Mario Mandzukic, a penalty from Antoine Griezmann and second half strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe, while Ivan Perisic and Mandzukic scored for the Croatians.
#AllezLaFrance #FRACRO #FrancevsCroatia #WorldCupFinal #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/8t517Q9oet
— FootTheBall⚽ (@FootTheBall) July 15, 2018
Mandzukic was unlucky to flick a free kick from man of the match Griezmann into his own net after 18 minutes, although Perisic’s 29th minute left foot shot gave Croatia hope before Griezmann scored a 38th minute penalty after the referee used the VAR to determine Perisic had committed handball.
France never looked completely in control against a brave Croatia side, but Mbappe was vital for the French on the break, helping set up Pogba for the third goal and then scoring the fourth from outside of the area. Mandzukic’s fortunate goal gave Croatia late hope, but with Samuel Umtiti outstanding in defense France held on for their second World Cup title.
Mbappe was awarded the Young Player of the World Cup, while Modric won the Golden Ball (Best Player of the tournament). England’s Harry Kane won the Golden Boot of this World Cup. The Golden Glove award went to Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois.
FIFA Young Player Award:
?Kylian MBAPPE (#FRA) #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/v4eMfItkkP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
adidas Golden Ball Award:
?Luka MODRIC (#CRO)
?Eden HAZARD (#BEL)
?Antoine GRIEZMANN (#FRA) #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KQSRiwUznh— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
adidas Golden Glove Award:
?Thibaut COURTOIS (#BEL) #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/S5xB7RBBdP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
adidas Golden Boot Award:
?Harry KANE (#ENG)
?Antoine GRIEZMANN (#FRA)
?Romelu LUKAKU (#BEL) #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iLzORGpmcd— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
The Man of the Match of this World Cup final was given to Antoine Griezmann.
Meanwhile, the Fair Play trophy went to Spain.
Here are some interesting and key stats of World Cup 2018 final:
- Mario Mandzukic scored the first own goal in World Cup final while also becoming the first player to score for both sides in World Cup final and the second in World Cup.
- This is the highest score in a World Cup final since 1966. England then beat West Germany 4-2.
- Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.
- 12 own goals scored at the 2018 World Cup, double the tally of the previous highest in a World Cup tournament: six in 1998.
(With inputs from Xinhua)