France win the World Cup as Croatia come short in a spectacular Final

France lift the World Cup Trophy for the second time after 1998.

     France have proven to be the best in the world as they beat Croatia 4-2 in a nerve-wrecking and action-packed match showcasing many amazing goals. Les Bleus were too overpowered for Croatia, but the latter put up a good fight and did not give up till the end.

       At the start of the match, Croatia looked more dominant, having had more possession and a few shots on goal. France gained back some momentum and were awarded a free kick outside the Croatian penalty box at 16', which was taken by Griezmann. He whipped a cross-ball in the goal's direction and the ball grazed Mandžukić's head and went in, which was awarded as an own goal to France. Croatia looked tense but collected, as they are masters at comebacks. Sure enough, 10 minutes later, a series of headers led the ball to Perišić, who set it up onto his left foot and shot home an equaliser. 7 minutes later, France were awarded a penalty after Perišić committed a hand-ball. Griezmann shot to his left and scored the second goal for France. The rest of the half went in oscillating play as both teams kept trying on goal. At half-time, the score was 2-1.

       The second-half started with Croatia attacking again but failing. France took the ball and tried to create some chances, and their 3ʳᵈ goal came when the clock showed 58'. Paul Pogba got the ball outside the penalty area and shot, but was blocked, so he shot again and scored an amazing goal. 6 minutes later, Mbappe added another as he shot long into the bottom corner and became the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final after Pelé in 1958. 4 minutes later, a mistake by Hugo Lloris led to Croatia's second goal, this time by Mandžukić. After that, it was just a haze of attacks and tries on goal for France, and the final whistle could not have been more welcome, as Didier Deschamps once again lifted the World Cup Trophy for France.