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.
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
Here are highlights of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia.
FRANCE WIN THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
France 4-2 Croatia
'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.
We're into stoppage time in the second half, five minutes have been added.
Are we going to witness a dramatic twist?
'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.
'87
Fekir shoots from 30 yards and close to the side-line. Easy take for Subasic.
Mbappe creates history:
France vs Croatia: Kylian Mbappé scripts history, becomes 2nd teenager to score in World Cup final
'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.
'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.
'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.
Here are highlights so far:
WATCH: Paul Pogba and other goals scored so far in France 3 – 1 Croatia in 2018 World Cup final
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.
GOOOOAAAALLLLLLL
Mandzukic makes it 4-2 thanks to a Lloris howler!
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
GOOOOAAAALLLLLL
Mbappe makes it 4-1 for France!
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?
GOOOAAAAALLLLLL
Pogba gives France a 3-1 lead!
'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.
'54
First substitution of the match.
France remove Kante and bring on Nzonzi. Surprising move.
'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.
'50
Croatia get their sixth corner of the game but it's cleared.
They're pressing hard for the equaliser here.
First half stats:
'48
Croatia come close!
Rebic turns quickly and lets fly from his left foot. A superb shot. But what a save from Lloris!
'47
France get the first shot of the second half.
Griezmann fires from 30 yards out but a comfortable sace for Subasic.
We're off in the second half!
Croatia have it all to do. France wouldn't be judged if they park the bus.
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!
HALF-TIME
France 2-1 Croatia
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.
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?
'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.
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.
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!
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.
'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.
'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!
GOOOOAAAALLLLL
Croatia equalise!
'27
First booking of the match.
Kante gets a yellow for tripping Rakitic.
'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.
'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.
GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL
France take the lead!
'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
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.
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.
'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.
The 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
The 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
'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.
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.
'3
First attack of the night from Croatia!
Perisic makes a run down the left to earn his team a throw near the flag.
'2
First foul of the day from Modric. Runs into Umtiti clumsily to give France a free-kick just outside their own box.
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!
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.
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.
The players have line-up in the tunnel, they're about to step on the field.
Modrid and Pogba seen offering quick prayers.
Germany's Philipp Lahm, the World Cup-winning captain from four years ago, brings the coveted trophy on to the field.
Meanwhile...
Not quite sure what they're thankful for.
Today’s referee: Argentinian Nestor Pitana.
Who's your vote with?
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
Meanwhile, Will Smith has just belted the official song of the tournament - Live It Up.
Such a bad song.
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.
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.
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.
Here's a glimpse of both teams warming up inside the stadium.
There'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.
The French sure seem upbeat!
So 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
The French sure seem upbeat!
So 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
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.
Enjoy #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, 2018
The 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
Enjoy #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, 2018
The 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
Enjoy #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, 2018
The 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
Enjoy #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, 2018
The 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
STARTING XIs
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.