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

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, a match etched in football history, saw France triumph over Croatia in a captivating contest held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Guys, remember that electric atmosphere? The final score was 4-2 in favor of Les Bleus, but the game was far more than just a scoreline. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, stunning goals, and controversial moments that had the world on the edge of their seats. This article will dive deep into the details of that epic final, reliving the key moments and analyzing the factors that led to France's victory.

The journey to the final itself was remarkable for both teams. France, with their blend of established stars and emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé, navigated a tricky group stage and then overcame Argentina, Uruguay, and Belgium in the knockout rounds. Croatia, on the other hand, defied expectations with their resilience and fighting spirit. Led by their midfield maestro Luka Modrić, they battled through three consecutive extra-time victories against Denmark, Russia, and England to reach their first-ever World Cup final. This set the stage for a truly compelling final, pitting France's firepower against Croatia's unwavering determination.

Before diving into the blow-by-blow account, it’s important to set the scene. The Luzhniki Stadium was packed to the rafters, awash in a sea of red, white, and blue. The pre-match atmosphere was electric, a mix of nervous anticipation and unbridled excitement. The weight of history was palpable, particularly for Croatia, who were looking to cap off their incredible run with the ultimate prize. France, having won the World Cup in 1998, were aiming to add a second star to their jersey and cement their place among the giants of international football. The stage was set, the players were ready, and the world was watching.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match began with a cagey opening, both teams feeling each other out. France, known for their tactical discipline, allowed Croatia to have more of the ball, while looking to exploit their pace on the counter-attack. The first major moment arrived in the 18th minute when France took the lead through an own goal. Antoine Griezmann's free-kick was inadvertently headed into his own net by Croatian striker Mario Mandžukić. It was an unfortunate moment for Mandžukić, but it gave France an early advantage. However, Croatia responded strongly and equalized just ten minutes later through Ivan Perišić, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Hugo Lloris. The game was now truly alive.

The drama continued in the 38th minute when France were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. The referee ruled that Perišić had handled the ball inside the penalty area. Griezmann stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home, restoring France's lead. The decision was controversial, with many arguing that Perišić was unlucky and that the handball was unintentional. However, the VAR decision stood, and France went into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

The second half saw France extend their lead further. In the 59th minute, Paul Pogba scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the box after a well-worked team move. Then, just six minutes later, Kylian Mbappé added another goal, becoming only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final. At 4-1, the game seemed to be over, but Croatia refused to give up. Mandžukić redeemed himself in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Lloris to score a consolation goal. The final score ended 4-2.

Analyzing France's Victory

Several factors contributed to France's victory in the 2018 World Cup Final. Firstly, their tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents were crucial. Against Croatia, they were content to cede possession and hit them on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace and skill of Mbappé and Griezmann. Secondly, their strength in depth was a major advantage. They had quality players in every position, allowing them to cope with injuries and suspensions throughout the tournament. Players like Pogba and Kanté controlled the midfield, while Varane and Umtiti provided a solid defensive foundation.

Another key factor was the experience within the squad. Many of the French players had been part of the team that reached the final of Euro 2016, and they had learned from that experience. They were able to handle the pressure of the big occasion and execute their game plan effectively. Finally, the brilliance of individual players like Mbappé and Griezmann proved to be decisive. Mbappé's pace and dribbling ability caused Croatia problems throughout the game, while Griezmann's goals and creative play were vital to France's success. France's victory was a testament to their overall strength and the quality of their key players.

Croatia's Valiant Effort

Despite the defeat, Croatia can be immensely proud of their performance in the 2018 World Cup. They defied expectations to reach the final and showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit along the way. Led by Luka Modrić, who was named the tournament's best player, they played with passion and determination. Their midfield trio of Modrić, Rakitić, and Brozović controlled the tempo of many games, and their attacking players like Perišić and Mandžukić posed a constant threat.

However, Croatia's journey to the final took its toll. They had played three consecutive extra-time matches in the knockout rounds, and they looked tired in the final. They also suffered from some unfortunate moments, such as the own goal and the controversial penalty decision. Despite these setbacks, they never gave up and continued to fight until the final whistle. Their performance in the 2018 World Cup will be remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in football history. Croatia's journey was nothing short of inspiring.

The Lasting Legacy

The 2018 World Cup Final was a truly memorable occasion, filled with drama, excitement, and controversy. France's victory cemented their place among the elite of international football, while Croatia's performance captured the hearts of fans around the world. The final also highlighted the growing influence of VAR in football, with several key decisions being made after video reviews. Whether you agree with the decisions or not, VAR undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to the game.

The legacy of the 2018 World Cup Final will live on for many years to come. It was a game that showcased the best of football, with moments of brilliance, passion, and drama. It was a game that reminded us why we love this sport and why it has the power to unite people from all corners of the globe. So, guys, let's remember this thrilling final and look forward to more exciting World Cup moments in the future! This match was more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought the world together in celebration and competition.