France Vs Croatia: 2018 World Cup Final Highlights

The 2018 FIFA World Cup final, a clash between France and Croatia, was more than just a game; it was a captivating narrative of contrasting footballing philosophies, unexpected twists, and the culmination of dreams for both nations. Held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15, 2018, the match saw France emerge victorious with a 4-2 scoreline, claiming their second World Cup title after a 20-year wait. This article delves into the details of the match, exploring the key moments, tactical approaches, and lasting impact of this memorable final.

A Tactical Overview

Before diving into the action, let's set the stage with a tactical overview. France, led by Didier Deschamps, adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Their 4-2-3-1 formation provided a solid base, with N'Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba shielding the defense and unleashing the attacking prowess of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Olivier Giroud. On the other hand, Croatia, under Zlatko Dalić, showcased a more possession-based style, relying on the midfield maestros Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities. Their 4-3-3 formation emphasized control and intricate passing patterns, aiming to break down the opposition's defense through patient build-up play.

France's game plan revolved around absorbing pressure and exploiting Croatia's defensive vulnerabilities with lightning-fast counter-attacks. The pace and skill of Mbappé were instrumental in stretching the Croatian defense, while Griezmann's clever movement and clinical finishing posed a constant threat. Defensively, France aimed to neutralize Modrić and Rakitić, disrupting Croatia's midfield dominance and forcing them into hurried passes. Croatia, meanwhile, sought to control possession and wear down the French defense. Modrić and Rakitić orchestrated the play, probing for openings and creating opportunities for their forwards, Mario Mandžukić, Ivan Perišić, and Ante Rebić. Their strategy hinged on maintaining composure, dictating the tempo, and capitalizing on any defensive lapses from the French.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The final was filled with key moments and turning points that ultimately shaped the outcome. The first major incident arrived in the 18th minute when Antoine Griezmann scored from a controversial free-kick. The decision to award the free-kick was heavily debated, with replays suggesting that Marcelo Brozović's challenge on Griezmann was not a clear foul. Nevertheless, Griezmann calmly converted the set-piece, giving France an early lead against the run of play. Croatia responded swiftly, with Ivan Perišić equalizing in the 28th minute with a stunning left-footed strike. After a sustained period of pressure, Perišić cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a powerful shot that found the bottom corner, leveling the score and reigniting Croatia's hopes.

However, Croatia's joy was short-lived as France regained the lead just ten minutes later through a penalty awarded after a VAR review. Replays showed that Perišić had handled the ball inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to consult the video assistant referee (VAR) system. After a lengthy review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Griezmann stepped up to convert his second goal of the match, restoring France's advantage. The penalty decision sparked further controversy, with many arguing that the handball was unintentional and that the VAR intervention was unwarranted. Despite the controversy, France entered halftime with a 2-1 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

The second half saw France extend their lead in the 59th minute through a well-executed team move. Paul Pogba initiated the attack with a precise pass to Kylian Mbappé, who then laid the ball off to Griezmann. Griezmann teed up Pogba for a shot, and the midfielder's initial effort was blocked, but he slotted home the rebound to make it 3-1. Six minutes later, Mbappé added another goal, becoming only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final. The young superstar unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that beat Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subašić, effectively sealing the victory for France. Croatia managed to pull one goal back in the 69th minute when French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a horrendous error, gifting Mario Mandžukić a simple tap-in. However, it proved to be a mere consolation as France held on to win 4-2.

The Stars of the Show

Several players stood out as the stars of the show, delivering exceptional performances that contributed to their team's success. For France, Antoine Griezmann was instrumental, scoring a goal and playing a crucial role in their attacking play. His clever movement, clinical finishing, and ability to win fouls made him a constant threat to the Croatian defense. Paul Pogba also delivered a dominant midfield display, combining defensive steel with attacking flair. His passing range, tackling ability, and goal-scoring contribution showcased his all-round quality.

Kylian Mbappé's electrifying pace and skill were a constant menace to the Croatian defense, and his goal in the second half sealed the victory for France. N'Golo Kanté provided the defensive shield that allowed France's attacking players to thrive. His tireless work rate and ability to win back possession were crucial in disrupting Croatia's midfield dominance. For Croatia, Luka Modrić was the standout performer, dictating the tempo and creating numerous scoring opportunities. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the game were a joy to watch, even in defeat. Ivan Perišić also delivered a strong performance, scoring a stunning goal and posing a constant threat to the French defense. However, his handball that led to France's second goal proved to be a costly mistake.

The Lasting Impact

The 2018 World Cup final had a lasting impact on both France and Croatia, as well as the broader footballing world. For France, the victory marked their second World Cup title and cemented their status as one of the world's leading football nations. The win provided a huge boost to French football, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. It also validated Didier Deschamps' pragmatic approach, proving that defensive solidity and tactical discipline can be just as effective as attacking flair. The success of the French team was seen as a symbol of national unity, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a common achievement.

For Croatia, despite the defeat, reaching the World Cup final was a historic achievement that surpassed all expectations. The team's performance captured the hearts of fans around the world, showcasing their resilience, determination, and technical ability. Luka Modrić's outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball award, recognizing him as the best player of the competition. The success of the Croatian team sparked national pride and inspired a new generation of footballers in the country. The tournament also highlighted the importance of investing in youth development and providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent.

Looking back, the 2018 World Cup final was a truly unforgettable event. It was a match filled with drama, controversy, and moments of individual brilliance. France's victory was a triumph of tactical discipline and attacking efficiency, while Croatia's journey to the final was a testament to their resilience and team spirit. The game will be remembered for years to come as a classic encounter that showcased the very best of international football.