France's victory was a worthy end to a thrilling World Cup | Soccer

Rance's captain and goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, raised the World Cup as guns fired golden confetti in the air and a wall of supporters waving flags tricolores exploded with joy after a worthy finale of a thrilling tournament

above the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow was dark gray with thunderous flashes like the French team, soaked in the rain, sweat and euphoria, darted on the ground in a stunned delight when the whistle blew 4-2.

The laureates' medals were presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin, under a black umbrella, when an all-powerful shower blew a damp and sticky afternoon in the Russian capital.

Half of four people wearing black pants, black ties and white shirts emerged behind Lloris and ran into the field.

Commissioners wearing high-visibility jackets sued Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, who was trying to get him out of the field. The Russian protest group Pussy Riot later claimed responsibility. "At the moment, there are four Pussy Riot members on the ground," the group wrote on its Facebook page.

This was the first high-level security breach at a World Cup that was notable football matches, vibrant fan groups especially from South and Central America and at home, England's unexpected and catchy race to the semifinals.

The political tensions and hooliganism problems, which some feared would overshadow the spectacle of football, never materialized in a tournament that will be a great success.

Croatia, whose players came from a nation of four million, had beaten England in the semifinals and would signal a controversial arbitration decision in the first period by the time their chances were up. would evaporate

France, led by coach Didier Deschamps, rarely put a foot on the ground during the tournament. In the early afternoon, they were the favorites to win the World Cup for the second time after winning the home trophy in 1998.

Will Smith has added a touch of glamor to the occasion by playing the official anthem of the Live It Up World Cup with Nicky Jam and the Kosovan alto pop Era Istrefi. The legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was applauded while he played drums with local artists.

The World Cup trophy between Philipp Lahm, who won the World Cup four years ago, and Natalia Vodianova her new Louis Vuitton travel case. In the VIP area, Putin has sat next to Fifa President Gianni Infantino with French President Emmanuel Macron and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.

After 18 minutes, the Croatian Mario Mandžukić has earned an undesirable place in the history of football with the first goal scored in the final of the World Cup. France players huddled together near the corner flag as a celebration.

A few seconds after the goal, torrential rain enveloped the Luzhniki, sending local photographers to get their camera covers while the front row fans were putting on their umbrellas. 19659003] On the other side, Croatia regained the equalizer ten minutes later with an indisputable shot at the left foot of Ivan Perišić

The video badistant of arbitration ( VAR), which many believe has been highlighted, has played a central role. The technology is supposed to reduce the number of screams by referees by allowing them to examine "clear and obvious" errors.

Argentine referee Néstor Pitana consulted VAR after being harbaded by France players who called for handball and granted a penalty. The Frenchman Antoine Griezmann has withdrawn from the game and Croatia will feel aggrieved for the years to come.

After half-time, they seem to lose their temper, Paul Pogba adding a third for France to 59 minutes and 19 … old superstar Kylian Mbappé a fourth shortly thereafter. There was a consolation goal for Croatia in the 69th minute when Mandžukić enjoyed a brief misalignment of Lloris.

For 60 minutes, Wednesday night, as England led Croatia into the semi-finals, it seemed like final, but eventually they were defeated. The team, manager Gareth Southgate and a support team of 58 were coming back to Birmingham airport as the biggest game on the planet was starting. Crowded stadiums, an explosion of color and noise from enthusiastic fans around the world, sensational football and, by those here, the kindness of the Russian people.