FIFA World Cup: France claim second crown as they edge past a brave Croatia – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

FIFA World Cup: France claim second crown as they edge past a brave Croatia




image

France have won the 2018 FIFA World Cup after they beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow this evening.

In a game were the final result suggests French dominance, it was anything but as a brave and determined Croatian side came up short against a resolute French side.

In a final which many predicted would go only one way was a thrilling affair as both sides gave their all to become champions of the world.

Croatia who will be left wondering what might have been can go home proud of their achievements as they pushed Didier Deschamps men all the way despite the 4-2 result.

France who have now claimed their second World Cup title, were given the perfect start although in questionable circumstances as they were put 1-0 up after Mandzukic headed into his own goal following a Griezmann free kick which was generously given after the French man clearly dived on the edge of the box.

Croatia who dominated most of the game in the first half pulled themselves back into the match when Persic smashed home a superb low drive past Lloris on the 28th minute.

However France once found themselves in front again in another controversial moment when Persic was deemed to handle the ball from a French corner. Following a consultation with the VAR the referee gave France a penalty, which Griezmann slotted home on the 38th minute.

The second half seen Croatia continue to press but the French always looked a threat on the break and the Croats were unlucky when Pogba put the French 3-1 up with a low drive from the edge of the box.

France then went further ahead as Mbappe-Lottin scored a crucial fourth on the break.

Croatia who never let their heads drop were then given as Mandzukic robbed Lloris of the ball in his six yard box to embarrass the French keeper

Although Croatia pushed hard to get back in the game, the fourth French goal proved crucial as France managed to hang on to claim their first World Cup title since 1998.

Share this story

Tell us what you think on our Facebook page