France Wins the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On July 15, 2018, France emerged victorious in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling final held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. This victory marked France’s second World Cup win, the first being in 1998 when they hosted the tournament.

Context and Build-Up

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st edition of the tournament and the first to be held in Russia. It featured 32 teams from around the globe, competing over a month-long event that showcased the world’s best football talent. France entered the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a squad filled with young and dynamic players, including Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kanté, under the management of Didier Deschamps.

Croatia, on the other hand, was considered a dark horse. They impressed the world with their skillful play and resilience, reaching their first-ever World Cup final. Led by captain Luka Modrić, Croatia’s journey to the final included notable victories against Argentina, Denmark, Russia, and England.

The Final Match

The final was a highly anticipated clash between France and Croatia. The match began with an own goal by Croatia’s Mario Mandžukić in the 18th minute, giving France an early lead. Croatia equalized through Ivan Perišić in the 28th minute, but France regained the lead with a penalty converted by Antoine Griezmann in the 38th minute, awarded after a controversial handball decision confirmed by VAR.

In the second half, France extended their lead with goals from Paul Pogba in the 59th minute and Kylian Mbappé in the 65th minute. Croatia managed to pull one back with a goal from Mandžukić in the 69th minute, but it was not enough to overcome France’s advantage.

Aftermath and Significance

France’s victory was celebrated as a triumph of youth and talent, with Kylian Mbappé, at just 19 years old, becoming the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final, after Pelé in 1958. Didier Deschamps joined an elite group of individuals who have won the World Cup both as a player and a manager.

The win solidified France’s position as a powerhouse in international football and highlighted the effectiveness of their strategy and team cohesion. For Croatia, reaching the final was a historic achievement, earning them widespread admiration and respect.

The 2018 World Cup was also notable for its use of technology, including the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which played a crucial role in several key decisions throughout the tournament.

Overall, the 2018 FIFA World Cup final was a memorable event that showcased the drama and excitement of football on the world stage, leaving a lasting legacy for both France and Croatia.