France won the 2018 World Cup by beating Croatia 4-2 in the final which was took place at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow (15/7).
In the first half, France took a 2-1 lead thanks to Mario Mandzukic’s own goal and Antoine Griezmann’s penalty, while Croatia scored thanks to Ivan Perisic’s powerful kick.
France then added two goals within six minutes in the second half through Paul Pogba’s kick and Kylian Mbappe are both created from outside the penalty box.
Croatia got a consolation goal from Mandzukic who took advantage of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’s mistake.
In the first half, Croatia who suffered the issue of fatigue because in the previous three games always play until the extra time, can control the ball. Only, they are difficult to create opportunities that really threaten Lloris goalkeeper.
The new France tried to attack in the 17th minute and immediately produced the first goal. Starting from Griezmann free kick from outside the penalty box, the ball actually touches the head of Mario Mandzukic and slid swiftly into the goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.
In a fall behind situation, Croatia again increased the attack and finally get a goal equalizing through a hard kick Perisic. This goal originated from Luka Modric free kick from outside the penalty box.
In the 36th minute, France earned a penalty after Perisic touched the ball with his hand. The referee had to consulted using VAR to make a decision, but still pointed to the white dot.
Griezmann who became the executioner managed to send the ball in peace and bring France back ahead.
In the second half, the new Croatian looked exhausted while France increased the intensity of the attack. Paul Pogba then scored and widened France advantage in the 59th minute. Starting from a gastric bait aimed at Kylian Mbappe on the right wing, the 19-year-old managed to hold the ball and then sent a cross into the penalty box. The ball received by Griezmann who then gave it to Pogba outside the penalty box. Pogba then scored France’s third goal with a hard kick.
Six minutes later, France again widen the goal difference this time thanks to Mbappe foot. Lucas Hernandez made an impressive drive on the left side and sent a pass into the middle of the field. Mbappe under Domagoj Vida guarded shot a horizontal kick into the left-hand corner of the net.
In the midst of France domination in the second half, Croatia got the second goal by utilizing through Hugo Lloris mistake.
Starting from a backpass, Lloris try to grip Mandzukic who put pressure on him. Mandzukic managed to cut the ball and scored Croatia’s second goal.
Mandzukic goal is like a fresh breeze for Croatia. They then re-send the wave of attacks mainly through the wings. Perisic shifted to the right, while Marko Pjaca who replaced Ivan Strinic lead the attack on the left.
But France defense was perfect in dispelling all Croatian attack. France also won the World Cup for the second time.
