Five similarities between the 2018 and 2002 World Cups

#5 The Golden Ball was won by the captain of the losing finalist

France vs Croatia: Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup

Oliver Kahn was the reason a rather uninspiring Germany team got to the final in 2002, pulling off a string of impressive saves; particularly in tense 1-0 victories in their three knockout matches.

Despite his error in the final, skipper Oliver Kahn was still considered impressive enough in the tournament to be awarded the Golden Ball (given to the best player of the tournament). This was the first and till date only time that a goalkeeper was adjudged to be the best player at a World Cup tournament.

Croatia were losing finalists at the 2018 edition, but their captain Luka Modric was voted the Golden Ball winner having been the creative force behind their shocking run to the final.

Modric was impressive as Croatia topped a group containing Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria, helping the Croats to three victories and nine points in the group.

Further stellar performances followed in gruelling penalty shootout knockout victories over Denmark and Russia and an extra time victory over England in the semi-final. The 32-year-old midfielder was widely acknowledged by many to have been the 2018 World Cup's standout player despite his final loss in the same way that Oliver Kahn was 16 years ago.