France won the 2018 World Cup by beating Croatia 4-2. And thus conquering the title of world champion for the second time in its history.
It was a pyrotechnic final in front of a packed stadium and the presence of a dozen premiers and heads of state in the audience. A beautiful game, full of emotions and twists. Starting with the first point conquered by the French on Mario Mandzukic's own goal, followed by the draw won by Ivan Perisich. And then the penalty goal from the "petit diable" Griezmann on the 38th minute of the first half.
A match that will be remembered as the first World Cup final in which the referee decided to use the Var before awarding the penalty to France.
The first half ends 2 to 1 for the French but Croatia are more fierce than ever.
The second half opens with a distracted and subdued France, coach Didier Deschamps clearly expressing concern for a Croatia that is pressing.
The invasion of the field of four improvised "blues Brothers", immediately moved away, still moves the first minutes of the second half.
And then plot twist with Pogba: France scores the third goal in the 14th minute, laying the foundations for the conquest of its second World Cup. Croatia collapsed psychologically and 25 minutes from the end the French number 20 Mbappé shot from 10 meters: 4 to 1, the game seems to have entered the final sprint.
And here Mandzukic reopens the game with a lightning masterstroke and scores the second goal for Croatia in the 26th minute of the second half. France-Croatia 4 to 2, it starts again. But for the Croatians there is no escape: and France finally raises the prestigious cup for the second time in its history amidst tears of joy and waving flags. To Croatia the consolation of having fought to the last and having lost with honor.
