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MOSCOW (Reuters) – France won the World Cup for the second time in spectacular style on Sunday by ending the fight for victory in the world with a 4-2 victory in one of the most entertaining and action-packed finals for
France Triumphed thanks to an own goal from Mario Mandzukic, an Antoine Griezmann penalty – awarded after a VAR review – and second half half by Paul Pogba and teenager Kylian Mbappe
Ivan Perisic and Mandzukic Croatia.
It was the highest-scoring decider since England beat West Germany 4-2 after extra-time in 1966 and the highest in normal time since Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 60 years ago.
There were as many goals in 90-action-packed minutes in Moscow the first time in the last finals combined
VAR-decided spot-kick – one that Croatia were furious about and that was arguably the turning point of the game.
But the only statistic will be made to make the world a better place.
The French led 2-1 at halftime after Mandzukic's own goal and Griezmann's VAR penalty, with Ivan Perisic briefly bringing forward first-time finalists Croatia level
Quickfire strikes by Pogba and Mbappe midway through the second half put in charge before Mandzukic was gifted to goal by keeper Hugo Lloris to set up a nervous last 20 minutes
France, however, held back when they were beaten again in the European Championship final by Portugal in Paris. Winner Didier Deschamps, captain of the 1998 side, becomes the third man to lift the World Cup as Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer
"How marvelous," Deschamps said shoulder high on the pitch by his players. "
" We did not play a huge game but we showed mental quality – and we scored four goals.
" It hurt so much to lose the Euro two years ago, but it made us learn too much and we worked so hard for 55 days here. "
OWN GOAL
Croatia started full of energy but fell behind when Mandzukic, who scored The last time winner in England in the semi-final, became the first man to score an own goal in a World Cup final when a Griezmann free kick skidded in his head in the 18th minute. It was the 12th own goal of the tournament.
That meant it was the fourth successive knockout game in which Croatia conceded first but again they found a way back. Perisic, who was the equalizer against England, was on the back of the film, but it was not so bad. for the rest of their lives (19659002) Perisic flapped an arm at a corner and seemed to get away from it. a mass French player protest, Argentina referee Nestor Pitana conducted a protracted VAR review and awarded the 28th penalty of the tournament, another record.
Griezmann stroked the ball home in the 38th minute for his fourth goal of Russia 2018.
That made it the highest-scoring first half since 1974, when West Germany led the Netherlands 2-1 – also the final score – but this time there was more to come.
their one-on-one duels in th
Goal France's defense held and Deschamps' side went up 3-1 up on the hour as Mbappe and Griezmann combined to set up Pogba on the edge of the box. The midfielder's right-footed shot was blocked but he was very happy with the
Six minutes later Lucas Hernandez
After three successive extra-time knockout games Lloris, who tried to dribble round Mandzukic only for the striker to the ball in the unguarded net.
Croatia, beaten by the French in the semi-finals in their first World Cup appearance in 1998, continued to press, with the player of the tournament Luka Modric industrious to
The heavens opened for the presentation in torrential rain the man of the match Griezmann could not have cared.
"I do not know where I am, I am really h appy, "he said to his team mates danced around him in celebration.
" It was a very difficult match, Croatia had a great game. We came back and we managed to make the difference.
Croatia will also welcome us – surpassing the achievements of the famed class of '98 – and the way their shirtless fans are blood and danced long after the final
(Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ken Ferris and Ed Osmond)
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