2018 World Cup Final: France Vs. Croatia Scorecard & Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 64 views

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, guys, was an absolute barnburner! Held in the magnificent Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, it pitted the seasoned French squad against the spirited Croatian team. The match delivered drama, goals, and moments that will be etched in football history forever. This article dives deep into the scorecard, highlights, and key moments of this epic final. So, buckle up and let's relive the magic!

The Road to the Final: A Tale of Two Journeys

Before we dissect the final itself, let's quickly recap how these two teams reached the summit. France, boasting a squad brimming with young talent like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, navigated a relatively smooth path through the group stages and knockout rounds. They showcased tactical discipline and clinical finishing, overcoming Argentina, Uruguay, and Belgium to reach the final. Their journey was marked by moments of brilliance and a sense of growing confidence.

On the other hand, Croatia's journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. Led by their midfield maestro Luka Modrić, they battled through three consecutive extra-time victories in the knockout stages, showcasing their resilience and unwavering spirit. Their semi-final win against England was a testament to their never-say-die attitude. Croatia's path to the final was paved with grit, determination, and a strong belief in their ability to overcome any obstacle. This incredible run captivated fans worldwide, making them the sentimental favorites for many.

The 2018 World Cup Final Scorecard: A Goal-Fest

The final scorecard tells the story of a thrilling, high-scoring encounter. France emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline, but the match was far more competitive than the score suggests. Let's break down the goals and key moments:

  • France 4 - 2 Croatia

    • Goals:

      • France: Mario Mandžukić (OG 18'), Antoine Griezmann (PK 38'), Paul Pogba (59'), Kylian Mbappé (65')
      • Croatia: Ivan Perišić (28'), Mario Mandžukić (69')

    • Possession: France 39% - Croatia 61%

    • Shots: France 8 - Croatia 15

    • Shots on Target: France 6 - Croatia 3

    • Fouls Committed: France 14 - Croatia 13

    • Yellow Cards: France 3 - Croatia 1

Key Moments and Turning Points: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The match was filled with pivotal moments that swung the momentum back and forth. Here are some of the key incidents that shaped the outcome:

  1. Mandžukić's Own Goal (18'): The game's first goal came in the form of an own goal by Mario Mandžukić after a Griezmann free-kick. This early setback put Croatia on the back foot and gave France the crucial lead. Although unfortunate, it highlighted the pressure France was able to exert on the Croatian defense from set-piece situations. This goal definitely set the tone for a match filled with drama and unexpected twists.
  2. Perišić's Equalizer (28'): Croatia responded strongly, with Ivan Perišić unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the net. This stunning goal brought Croatia level and injected a surge of belief into their game. The Croatian fans erupted in cheers, and the momentum seemed to shift in their favor. Perišić's goal was a testament to Croatia's fighting spirit and their determination to overcome adversity. It was a moment of pure brilliance and a crucial turning point in the match.
  3. Griezmann's Penalty (38'): A controversial penalty decision awarded to France after a VAR review for a Perišić handball allowed Antoine Griezmann to restore France's lead. The penalty decision was hotly debated, with many feeling that the handball was unintentional. However, Griezmann remained unfazed and coolly slotted the penalty home, giving France a psychological advantage heading into halftime. This decision proved to be a major talking point and significantly impacted the flow of the game.
  4. Pogba's Stunner (59'): Paul Pogba's long-range strike, which took a slight deflection, extended France's lead and gave them a two-goal cushion. This goal was a moment of pure magic from the French midfielder, showcasing his technique and ability to score from distance. It also highlighted France's clinical finishing and their ability to capitalize on their chances. Pogba's goal significantly boosted France's confidence and put them firmly in control of the match.
  5. Mbappé's Masterpiece (65'): Kylian Mbappé's powerful shot from the edge of the box made him only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, after Pelé. This goal was a testament to Mbappé's incredible talent and composure under pressure. It also highlighted his blistering pace and clinical finishing ability. Mbappé's goal effectively sealed the victory for France and cemented his status as a rising superstar in the world of football. He became an instant icon, and this goal will be replayed for years to come.
  6. Mandžukić's Redemption Goal (69'): Mario Mandžukić, despite his earlier own goal, pulled one back for Croatia, capitalizing on a Hugo Lloris error. This goal gave Croatia a glimmer of hope and injected some late drama into the match. It also showcased Mandžukić's resilience and his determination to make amends for his earlier mistake. However, despite this goal, Croatia were unable to mount a sustained comeback.

France's Tactical Masterclass: A Winning Strategy

France's victory wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was also a result of a well-executed tactical plan. Coach Didier Deschamps set up his team to be defensively solid and exploit Croatia's attacking forays on the counter-attack. France's midfield, anchored by N'Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba, provided a strong shield for the defense, while their attacking trio of Griezmann, Mbappé, and Olivier Giroud posed a constant threat to the Croatian backline.

France's game plan focused on absorbing pressure and hitting Croatia on the break with lightning-fast counter-attacks. They were disciplined in their defensive shape and patient in their build-up play, waiting for the right moments to strike. This tactical approach proved to be highly effective, as France capitalized on Croatia's defensive vulnerabilities and secured the victory.

Croatia's Valiant Effort: A Nation United in Pride

Despite the defeat, Croatia's performance in the 2018 World Cup Final was nothing short of heroic. They displayed incredible resilience, determination, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Led by their captain Luka Modrić, they captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their captivating style of play and their unwavering commitment to each other.

Croatia's journey to the final was a testament to their strength of character and their belief in their abilities. They overcame numerous obstacles and battled through three consecutive extra-time victories in the knockout stages. Their semi-final win against England was a particularly memorable moment, as they showed their grit and determination to come from behind and secure a place in the final. Although they fell short in the final, Croatia's performance in the 2018 World Cup will be remembered for generations to come.

The Aftermath: A Celebration of Football

The 2018 World Cup Final was a fitting end to a memorable tournament. France's victory marked their second World Cup title and cemented their status as one of the top footballing nations in the world. The celebrations in France were euphoric, with millions of fans taking to the streets to celebrate their team's triumph.

For Croatia, the defeat was heartbreaking, but they returned home as heroes. They were greeted by massive crowds and celebrated for their incredible achievement in reaching the final. Their performance in the tournament inspired a nation and brought a sense of unity and pride to Croatia.

The 2018 World Cup Final will be remembered as a classic encounter, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. It showcased the best of football and left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the sport's history. The match served as a reminder of the power of football to unite people and create lasting memories. The legacy of the 2018 World Cup Final will continue to inspire and captivate fans for years to come.

Conclusion: A Final for the Ages

The 2018 World Cup Final scorecard will forever be etched in football history. France's victory was a testament to their talent, tactical prowess, and mental fortitude. Croatia's valiant effort, despite the defeat, showcased their incredible spirit and determination. The match was a classic encounter, filled with drama, goals, and controversial moments. It was a final that truly lived up to its billing, providing fans with a spectacle they will never forget. Whether you were cheering for France or Croatia, or just a neutral fan enjoying the beautiful game, the 2018 World Cup Final was a reminder of why we love football. The passion, the skill, the drama – it was all there on display for the world to see. So, let's raise a glass to the memories and look forward to the next chapter in the World Cup story!