An amazing month of football came to a climax yesterday as France were crowned the winners of the World Cup 2018. Croatia pushed them all of the way and was unfortunate to get a controversial penalty awarded against them whilst the game stood at 1-1 and Croatia were looking the better team. Despite referring to VAR, the referee awarded a highly debated penalty and Antoine Griezmann coolly dispatched the ball into the net.
France’s penalty changed the game
Les Blues were the favourites going into the final but Croatia still looked like they could be the team going home with the trophy. They had a dominant first eighteen minutes against the run of play, Mario Mandzukic headed the ball into his own net whilst trying to clear the ball from danger. Just ten minutes later, Croatia was back in the game with a well-taken goal from Perisic. Next came the controversial penalty decision, giving France the edge as they went in at halftime.
It seemed that Croatia were psychologically affected by the penalty decision, as they did not look as confident or organised in the second half. Paul Pogba had a shot saved and as the rebound fell to his left foot, he powerfully side-footed past the Croatian goalkeeper.
Pogba and Mbappe get on the scoresheet
At 3-1 Croatia had a huge task on their hands, only to be made even harder by Mbappe making it 4-1 just six minutes later. He became only the second teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final. At 4-1, the dream was practically over for Croatia, despite Mandzukic scoring at the right end of the pitch to pull one back making it 4-2. France held out for the final 20 minutes and most would say that France is a deserved winner of the World Cup 2018, despite the controversial penalty.
Whilst TV viewers were watching France lifting the World Cup, there were jubilant scenes across the streets of France, as people were out singing and celebrating the success of their national team.
Key stats about France’s World Cup history:
How many times has France won World Cup? – This was the second time France has won the World Cup.
When did France last win the World Cup? – They won the trophy in 1998 when France was the host nation.
