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France humble Croatia in a classic FIFA World Cup final - how it happened
Here are highlights of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia.
Updated : Jul 16, 2018, 12:44 AM IST
 "France's Pogba scores their third goal on Sunday - Reuters")
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France overwhelmed Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium on Sunday to lift the trophy for the second time in 20 years.
The French, playing their third World Cup final, were made to sweat initially and were lucky to go ahead when Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic headed an Antoine Griezmann free kick into his own net in the 18th minute, the first own goal in a World Cup final.
Ivan Perisic levelled with a powerful shot 10 minutes later but the Croatia midfielder was then penalised for handball following a VAR review and Griezmann stepped up coolly to convert the 38th-minute penalty and put France 2-1 up.
Croatia fought hard for an hour but gradually ran out of steam after playing extra time in their three previous matches, and goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe gave France a three-goal cushion.
Mandzukic pounced on a mistake by France keeper Hugo Lloris to cut the deficit in the 69th minute, making it the highest-scoring final over 90 minutes in 60 years, but Croatia could not find the net again in their first World Cup final.
Starting XIs
France: Hugo Lloris; Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard; Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante; Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud.
Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Ivan Strinic, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko; Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric; Ivan Perisic, Mario Manduzkic, Ante Rebic.
Key Moments
France score: Mandzukic scores an own-goal in the 18th minute.
Booking: Yellow card for Kante in the 27th minute.
Croatia equalise: Perisic scores in the 28th minute.
France score: Griezmann scores in the 38th minute.
Booking: Yellow card for Hernandez in the 43rd minute.
France score: Pogba makes it 3-1 in the 59th minute.
France score: Mbappe makes it 4-1 in the 65th minute.
Croatia score: Mandzukic makes it 4-2 in the 69th minute.
Booking: Yellow card for Vrsaljko in the 93rd minute.
Highlights
LIVE BLOG
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:22 PM
FRANCE WIN THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
France 4-2 Croatia
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:19 PM
'93
What a chance for France!
Mbappe takes a quick free-kick and plays the ball into the box to Pogba. The Manchester United mid-fielder fails to get a touch. He opener his foot and went for goal but the ball went right past him.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:18 PM
We're into stoppage time in the second half, five minutes have been added.
Are we going to witness a dramatic twist?
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:16 PM
'89
Croatia come close!
They build play from the left, Rakitic gets the ball about 30 yards out and shoots. It goes just over the bar.
It's now or never for Croatia.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:14 PM
'87
Fekir shoots from 30 yards and close to the side-line. Easy take for Subasic.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:13 PM
Mbappe creates history:
France vs Croatia: Kylian Mbappé scripts history, becomes 2nd teenager to score in World Cup final
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:11 PM
'84
Poor, poor free-kick from Rakitic.
He had a chance to play the ball into the box but hit it straight to Lloris.
Pogba then goes down and stays down after a clash with Mandzukic. Looks like he's in pain but we know the better.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:07 PM
'80
France have parked the bus!
21 of the 22 players on the pitch are in the French half.
Meanwhile, France sub Giroud with Fekir.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:05 PM
'78
Croatia come close!
Modric takes a beautiful turn and crosses into the box from his left foot.
Varane does well to head it away, but the ball falls to Rakitic at the edge of the box.
The Barcelona mid-fielder shoots from his left and the ball goes inches wide of the post.
- 15 Jul 2018, 10:00 PM
Here are highlights so far:
WATCH: Paul Pogba and other goals scored so far in France 3 – 1 Croatia in 2018 World Cup final
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:57 PM
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS MATCH?!
The ball is played to Lloris with plenty of space around him.
Mandzukic comes running in, Lloris takes too long and then tries to dribble past the Croatian striker.
The ball deflects off Manfzukic's foot and rolls into the net. As bizarre a goal as one can imagine in a final.
Lloris has been one of France's best players, he's their captain, and he's given Croatia a glimmer of hope here.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:56 PM
GOOOOAAAALLLLLLL
Mandzukic makes it 4-2 thanks to a Lloris howler!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:54 PM
What's happening here?!
Mbappe, the rising star of world football, shoots from about 25 yards and the ball finds the corner of the net.
The 19-year-old has all but handed his country their second World Cup.
France 4-1 Croatia
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:53 PM
GOOOOAAAALLLLLL
Mbappe makes it 4-1 for France!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:47 PM
Pogba makes a 40-yard through-ball to Mbappe. Perhaps, the best pass of the tournament.
Mbappe cuts into the box from the right, he plays it to Griezmann who sets up the shot for Pogba.
The first shot is blocked but Pogba pounces on the rebound and fires a left-footed shot into the corner. Subasic could just stand and stare at the ball going in. What a goal!
France lead 3-1 with less than half-an-hour of normal time to play. Game, Set, Match?
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:45 PM
GOOOAAAAALLLLLL
Pogba gives France a 3-1 lead!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:43 PM
'56
Griezmann makes a brilliant solo run from deep in his own half.
He dribbles past three defenders to enter the Croatian half, but Vida does well to sprint across and make a sliding clearance.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:43 PM
Hope you're enjoying the #WorldCupFinal @10Ronaldinho! #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/UyD2qRpSVn
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018 - 15 Jul 2018, 09:42 PM
'54
First substitution of the match.
France remove Kante and bring on Nzonzi. Surprising move.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:40 PM
'52
France come close!
Pogba sends Mbappe clear on the left.
The 19-year-old blazes past Vida and gets into the box, but Subasic does so so well burst out of the blocks and make the save.
Meanwhile, we have FOUR intruders on the pitch. Hilarious.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:38 PM
'50
Croatia get their sixth corner of the game but it's cleared.
They're pressing hard for the equaliser here.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:37 PM
First half stats:
Key stats:
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
We've not had a #WorldCupFinal with three goals in the first half since 1974
It's the first #WorldCupFinal with three goals since 1998
So yeah, goals! #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/DBfXIJQfSR - 15 Jul 2018, 09:36 PM
'48
Croatia come close!
Rebic turns quickly and lets fly from his left foot. A superb shot. But what a save from Lloris!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:34 PM
'47
France get the first shot of the second half.
Griezmann fires from 30 yards out but a comfortable sace for Subasic.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:33 PM
We're off in the second half!
Croatia have it all to do. France wouldn't be judged if they park the bus.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:18 PM
The Moscow sky over the Luzhniki Stadium has turned grey, we could have rains in the second half.
Even so, we've been treated to a fascinating first 45 minutes. You'd imagine a World Cup final to be a cagey affair, but it's been far from that.
Three goals in the first half is not something many would've predicted.
Croatia have their task cut out. They've arguably been the better team, but they're going to have to come from behind if they want to create history.
Join us after a short break for the second half!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:18 PM
HALF-TIME
France 2-1 Croatia
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:17 PM
Absolutely frantic play from Croatia. You'd be forgive to think this was stoppage time in the second half.
But they're struggling to get into the French box.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:14 PM
We're into stoppage time in the first half, three minutes have been added.
Will Croatia find the equaliser again before we get to the break?
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:13 PM
'44
Croatia get a couple of quick corner but are unable to get a shot on goal.
The French defenders are on the top of their game, as they have been all through the tournament.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:08 PM
Perisic turns from hero to villain in a matter of minutes.
He got Croatia the equaliser with a brilliant solo effort, but then 'handed' France the lead minutes later.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:07 PM
GOOOAAAALLLLLL
Griezmann takes a calm penalty, sending Subasic the wrong way, to give France a 2-1 lead.
What a final this is turning out to be!
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:05 PM
PENALTY
VAR is taken and France are awarded a penalty!
What drama! Griezmann steps up to take the kick even as Croatia players cry foul.
- 15 Jul 2018, 09:04 PM
'34
Was that a penalty?
France play a corner into the box, the ball strikes Perisic's out-stretched hand.
The refs miss it but the French players go up in arms, and VAR is taken.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:58 PM
'28
Perisic gets the ball just inside the box, he's straight in front of goal and dribbles to his left, and finally unleashes a powerful shot to the keeper's left.
There was nothing a diving Lloris could do there. A goal from the top drawer by Perisic. He's been s star for his team in this tournament.
Immediate response from Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Game on!
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:57 PM
GOOOOAAAALLLLL
Croatia equalise!
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:57 PM
'27
First booking of the match.
Kante gets a yellow for tripping Rakitic.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:54 PM
'23
A fine tackle from Vida stops Mbappe from running into the box.
That French attack looked dangerous as Matuidi released Mbappe on the left.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:48 PM
'18
Would you believe it?!
France get the lead thanks to an own-goal by Mandzukic.
France earn a free-kick halfway down Croatia's half. Griezmann plays the perfect ball inside the six-yard box.
Mandzukic, Croatia's semi-final hero, somehow manages to head it back into his own goal.
Croatia had dominated play until then. This goal came out of nowhere!
Fun fact: This is the first own-goal EVER in a World Cup final.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:47 PM
GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL
France take the lead!
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:46 PM
'17
France finally get an attack of their own.
Mbappe dribbles into the box from the right. He plays a dangerous ball there's no French player to cash in.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:44 PM
'15
What a chance!
Croatia build a threatening attack with Perisic running down the left, unmarked.
He, however, plays a poor attempted ball to Mandzukic in the box. Umtiti clears with ease.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:41 PM
Mbappe gets a touch. Forgot he was on the field. Croatia are really turning it on, at least in terms of dominating possession.
Meanwhile, Russia President Putin is seen enjoying the match in the stadium with the FIFA President.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:39 PM
'10
Modric with a beautiful side-footed pass to Strinic on the left. He cuts it inside to Perisic but the French defenders get the ball.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:38 PM
#FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/JO3GmxaWAD
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018The 2014 #GER captain @philipplahm lifted the #WorldCup trophy four years ago...
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
Who will be lifting it tonight?#FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/Puwe2wfPUu - 15 Jul 2018, 08:36 PM
'8
We have our first corner of the game.
Rakitic combines with Strinic to get inside the box from the left. The ball is deflected behind.
Modric takes the corner but it's headed away.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:33 PM
It's all Croatia in the first few minutes. They look like they're out to prove a point.
France struggling to get out of their own half.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:32 PM
'3
First attack of the night from Croatia!
Perisic makes a run down the left to earn his team a throw near the flag.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:31 PM
'2
First foul of the day from Modric. Runs into Umtiti clumsily to give France a free-kick just outside their own box.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:28 PM
Right, the toss and other formalities are done.
The players have taken their positions.
Croatia are in their traditional red and white checks. France are in all-blue.
It's going to be an epic clash.
Here we go!
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:25 PM
The Croatian President, standing next to the FIFA boss, belts out her national anthem. She's attained global stardom thanks to her cheerful presence at the World Cup in Russia.
Meanwhile, the two coaches share a warm embrace at the touchline.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:23 PM
And they're out on the field. What a sight this is to see them walk out as the capacity crowd errupts! The players look like nothing less than gladiators.
Time for the national anthems. First up - France.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:22 PM
The players have line-up in the tunnel, they're about to step on the field.
Modrid and Pogba seen offering quick prayers.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:21 PM
Germany's Philipp Lahm, the World Cup-winning captain from four years ago, brings the coveted trophy on to the field.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:20 PM
Meanwhile...
Great reception for Belgium as they return home after finishing third at the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/j4IPQULD0l
— UEFA Nations League (@UEFAEURO) July 15, 2018 - 15 Jul 2018, 08:19 PM
Not quite sure what they're thankful for.
What a show!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
Thank you @NickyJamPR, @strefie and Will Smith! #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/fbjMqdkdyW - 15 Jul 2018, 08:16 PM
Today’s referee: Argentinian Nestor Pitana.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:16 PM
Who's your vote with?
50/50! #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/B8Bz8Cnb3L
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018 - 15 Jul 2018, 08:11 PM
We're not far from kick-off.
Here are some quick reads to get yourself in the World Cup Final spirit:
WATCH: France fans going crazy in Moscow as 2018 World Cup final vs Croatia draws near
2018 World Cup final: All the numbers you need to know before France vs Croatia
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:09 PM
Meanwhile, Will Smith has just belted the official song of the tournament - Live It Up.
Such a bad song.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:05 PM
France have a number of immensely popular players - Griezmann, Mbappe and Pogba, to name a few - but it's amazing how the focal point of the build-up for the final has been Modric.
The diminutive Croatian play-maker has truly won hearts across the globe with his skill and desire.
- 15 Jul 2018, 08:03 PM
The closing ceremony is underway. Can't imagine there's a single soul inside the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow right now that isn't counting seconds for it to get over.
- 15 Jul 2018, 07:58 PM
Astrologer Greenstone Lobo reckons France are going to smash it tonight. Read his take
HERE
.Us at the DNA office, on the other hand, have a divided vote.
- 15 Jul 2018, 07:56 PM
Here's a glimpse of both teams warming up inside the stadium.
Warm-ups: #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/meHEehOs0W
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018There's just over half-an-hour to go for kick-off. Before that, the world is going to be enthralled (or plain bored) by a Will Smith performance as part of the closing ceremony.
- 15 Jul 2018, 07:53 PM
The French sure seem upbeat!
Les Bleus have arrived at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow!
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) July 15, 2018
#FRACRO #FiersdetreBleus #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/kKF5GzlGoxSo much love for Les Bleus at the stadium and across the globe today! #FiersdetreBleus #FRACRO #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/cv2dOE1Ezq
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) July 15, 2018 - 15 Jul 2018, 07:50 PM
Both teams are going in with unchanged starting XIs from their previous games.
There were questions regarding the fitness of French striker Olivier Giroud and his Croatian counterpart Mario Mandzukic, but both players are going to start tonight.
- 15 Jul 2018, 07:45 PM
The Trophy has arrived at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium... #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/2ubabJaBFy
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018Enjoy #CRO dressing room.#WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/WqZKYeOZDw
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 15, 2018#FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/w227YQWA0A
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018The teams are here!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
Where are you watching the big game?
TV listings https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal - 15 Jul 2018, 07:42 PM
Here's how we line up at Luzhniki Stadium... #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/20kddt07hU
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018 - 15 Jul 2018, 07:40 PM
STARTING XIs
The team news is in...
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
Here are your Starting XIs, #FRA and #CRO fans! #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/f5v1NuaCtJ - 15 Jul 2018, 07:39 PM
Hello everyone and welcome to live updates of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia.
We're about 50 minutes away from kick-off at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
