2018 World Cup Final: France Vs. Croatia Highlights & Key Moments

by Jhon Lennon 66 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a recap of one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in recent memory: the 2018 clash between France and Croatia. This match was packed with drama, stunning goals, and controversial moments, making it an instant classic. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just enjoy reliving great sporting events, get ready for a detailed walkthrough of the highlights and key moments from that unforgettable day in Moscow.

France vs. Croatia: A Quick Overview

The 2018 World Cup Final, held on July 15th at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, pitted the seasoned French team against the underdog Croatian squad. France, led by stars like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé, were looking to add another star to their jersey, while Croatia, spearheaded by Luka Modrić, were aiming for their first-ever World Cup title. The match was officiated by Argentinian referee Néstor Pitana, and the atmosphere was electric, with fans from all over the globe eagerly anticipating the final showdown. The game delivered on its promise, providing a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match started with France gaining an early advantage, but Croatia quickly fought back, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle. One of the first significant moments came when France was awarded a controversial free-kick that led to an own goal by Mario Mandžukić, giving France a 1-0 lead. Croatia responded swiftly, with Ivan Perišić scoring a fantastic goal to level the score. However, Perišić was later deemed to have handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty for France, which Griezmann converted to restore their lead. Despite the contentious calls, both teams continued to press, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The second half saw France extend their lead with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé, effectively sealing the victory. Mandžukić managed to score again, this time in the right net, but it was too little too late for Croatia. Let's break down these moments further:

  • Own Goal by Mario Mandžukić: The controversial free-kick that led to the own goal sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Many felt the free-kick was awarded unfairly, but regardless, it gave France an early advantage and put Croatia on the back foot.
  • Ivan PeriÅ¡ić's Equalizer: PeriÅ¡ić's goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his skill and determination. He cut inside from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, bringing Croatia level and injecting new life into their game.
  • Controversial Penalty: The handball decision against PeriÅ¡ić was another turning point in the match. Replays showed the ball may have brushed his hand, but the referee, after consulting VAR, awarded the penalty to France. This decision was heavily criticized by Croatian fans and added to the drama of the final.
  • Goals from Pogba and Mbappé: These goals in the second half demonstrated France's superior firepower and tactical prowess. Pogba's well-placed curler and Mbappé's powerful strike showcased their individual brilliance and effectively sealed the victory for France.

Goal-by-Goal Breakdown

Let's get into the specifics of each goal, providing a detailed look at how they unfolded and their impact on the game:

  1. France (1-0): Mario Mandžukić (Own Goal): In the 18th minute, Antoine Griezmann took a free-kick from the right side of the field. The ball was whipped into the box, and Mario Mandžukić, in an attempt to clear it, inadvertently headed it into his own net. This early goal gave France the lead and put Croatia under pressure. The Croatians, however, didn't let this setback deter them, and they continued to press forward.
  2. Croatia (1-1): Ivan Perišić: Ten minutes later, in the 28th minute, Croatia responded with a stunning goal from Ivan Perišić. After some intricate play on the edge of the French penalty area, the ball was played to Perišić, who was lurking on the left side. He took a touch to control the ball and then unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that flew past Hugo Lloris and into the net. The goal brought Croatia level and energized their fans.
  3. France (2-1): Antoine Griezmann (Penalty): In the 38th minute, a controversial handball decision against Ivan Perišić led to a penalty for France. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Danijel Subašić the wrong way. This goal restored France's lead and gave them a psychological advantage going into halftime.
  4. France (3-1): Paul Pogba: In the 59th minute, Paul Pogba extended France's lead with a well-taken goal. After a swift counter-attack, Kylian Mbappé played the ball to Pogba on the edge of the box. Pogba's initial shot was blocked, but he reacted quickly to curl the rebound past Subašić and into the net. This goal gave France a comfortable two-goal cushion and put them firmly in control of the match.
  5. France (4-1): Kylian Mbappé: Just six minutes later, in the 65th minute, Kylian Mbappé added another goal for France, becoming only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final. Mbappé received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Subašić at his near post. This goal effectively sealed the victory for France and cemented Mbappé's status as a rising star in world football.
  6. Croatia (4-2): Mario Mandžukić: In the 69th minute, Mario Mandžukić scored a consolation goal for Croatia. After a mix-up in the French defense, Mandžukić pounced on a loose ball and slotted it past Lloris. While the goal gave Croatia some hope, it was ultimately too little too late, as France held on to win the match.

The Players Who Shined

Several players delivered outstanding performances in the final. For France, Antoine Griezmann was instrumental, scoring a penalty and playing a key role in their attacking play. Kylian Mbappé's pace and clinical finishing were a constant threat to the Croatian defense, and his goal in the second half sealed the victory. Paul Pogba also had a strong game, controlling the midfield and scoring a crucial goal. On the Croatian side, Luka Modrić showcased his incredible vision and passing ability, dictating the tempo of the game. Ivan Perišić scored a brilliant goal and was a constant threat to the French defense. Despite the loss, these players left everything on the field, demonstrating their skill and passion for the game.

Controversies and VAR Decisions

The 2018 World Cup Final was not without its controversies, particularly regarding the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The penalty awarded to France for Ivan Perišić's handball was a major talking point, with many arguing that the decision was harsh. The VAR review took several minutes, adding to the tension and drama of the match. While some felt the VAR system worked as intended, others criticized its application, arguing that it disrupted the flow of the game. These controversies sparked debate about the role of technology in football and its impact on the sport's integrity.

The Aftermath and Legacy

France's victory in the 2018 World Cup marked their second title in history, solidifying their status as one of the top football nations in the world. The win was celebrated wildly in France, with millions of fans taking to the streets to celebrate. For Croatia, despite the loss, reaching the final was a historic achievement, their best-ever performance in a World Cup. The Croatian team was welcomed home as heroes, and their success inspired a new generation of footballers in the country. The 2018 World Cup Final will be remembered for its drama, excitement, and the controversies that surrounded it. It was a match that showcased the best of football, with moments of brilliance, passion, and unforgettable memories.

Memorable Quotes

Here are a few memorable quotes from players and coaches after the final:

  • Didier Deschamps (France Coach): "It is so beautiful. I am so happy for them. We did not play a great match but we showed a strong mental quality. We also scored four goals. We deserved to win. From the beginning, I have always said that winning the World Cup is not the most beautiful thing but after winning it, I can say that it is the most beautiful thing."
  • Luka Modrić (Croatia Captain): "We have to be proud of what we have achieved. We were better today, but sometimes in football, the better team doesn't win. We are sad, but we can be proud. We fought until the end."
  • Kylian Mbappé (France Forward): "I am very happy. I have always dreamed of this. It is incredible to live this with the team. We are proud to make the French people happy."

Conclusion

The 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia was a truly unforgettable match, filled with drama, controversy, and moments of brilliance. From the controversial penalty decision to the stunning goals scored by both teams, the game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. France emerged victorious, claiming their second World Cup title, but Croatia's remarkable journey to the final captivated the hearts of fans around the world. The match will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and memorable World Cup finals in history, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport of football. What a game, right? It had everything! Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, guys!