World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Croatia lost 2-4 against France

#2 Improper game management during the final heaps misery on Croatia

Croatia

were

left with a mountain to climb due to improper game management

Game Management or game planning is an important aspect in the knock out fixtures, finals. The manner in which a team reacts after taking the lead or falling behind plays an absolutely vital role in deciding the winners and losers.

Croatia did not phase, pace their game in an appropriate fashion during the final against France. France, who had a less arduous path to the finals in comparison to Croatia, were obviously the fresher of the two teams and this aspect was reflected on the scoreline.

After three exhausting knockout games against Denmark, Russia and England, Croatia were certainly going to feel the after-effects which should have led them to think of a plan which would help them conserve their energy, at the same time making life difficult for their opponents.

Instead, Croatia looked to have a go at France from the beginning and their high pressing style aided them only during the first quarter after which they started losing their steam. On the other hand, France soaked up the pressure and made their opponents commit silly mistakes which took them to halftime with a comfortable 2-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Croatia committed more men forward leaving gaps between the midfield and defence, which was exploited by the likes of Griezmann, Matuidi, Mbappe and Pogba. This proved to be an achilles heel for Croatia and resulted in France winning their second World Cup trophy.