Ivan Perisic goal for Croatia, PHOTO: Getty Images
It ended France 4-2 Croatia: Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and a Mario Mandzukic own goal see Didier Deschamps’ men crowned World Cup winners. It is a final that had everything, according to the commentator: an own goal, a penalty goal, a comedy goal and three fantastic goals
France took the lead on 18 minutes when Mario Mandzukic scored an own goal from a free-kick
Croatia equalised on 28 minutes when Ivan Perisic pounced with a devastating left-foot finish
France were awarded a penalty on 36 minutes after the use of VAR decided Perisic had handled the ball
After waiting an age to take the spot-kick, Antoine Griezmann duly converted from the penalty spot
Paul Pogba extended France’s advantage on 59 minutes when he curled home an effort with his left foot
Kylian Mbappe added a fourth just six minutes later with a long-range right-footed strike
Mandzukic pulled one back on 69 minutes when France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a catastrophic error.
France deserve their crown. They have been assertive in their football and clinical when it mattered the most.
