World Cup 2018: 5 points to take away from the final - France 4-2 Croatia

En
A night of thrilling action

With the FIFA World Cup concluding in an epic fashion, France has finally won the World Cup after two decades, with the last victory coming in 1998.

In what was a gigantic fight between two nations, Croatia went on to cement their position in history and were arguably the better side despite losing the final.

Goals from Griezmann, Mbappe, Pogba, Perisic, and Mandzukic added thrill and excitement to this 90-minute in-your-face extravaganza.

The match brought the world together as everyone was glued to TV screens, Croatia and France indeed went on to create some crazy memories until the final whistle. These memories will last forever.

While France did win the final, it is the Croatian side that has won all the respect of legions of supporters that have ever seen a football game.

Since this thrilling fist-fight had plenty of drama attached to it, let us dive deep into all the crazy things that happened during the World Cup Final.

Here are the 5 crazy things that happened during the World Cup Final.


#1 The night where a star was born

Kyl
Kylian freakin' Mbappe

If you did not agree until now, then you were surely being manipulated since the beginning of time that Kylian Mbappe was just an average player having a good time.

The French Youngster has defined a generation by becoming the only youngster on the planet besides Pele, to win the World Cup with such decisiveness on the field.

The 19-year old skipped past the defenders on multiple occasions, rendering them absolutely useless while he was running past them like a flash of light.

Mbappe has emerged as one of the most wanted players on the planet in recent memory, with striking comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo.

The French man proved to be influential for his side, leading the side to their first World Cup in twenty years.

While clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United are in desperation for his signature, Kylian Mbappe is turning the world on fire with his eccentric agility and attack.

The World Cup winner went on to win the Young Player of the Tournament and won everyone's respect with his crazy skills. Here's to a magician.

#2 The first footballer to score for both the teams in a World Cup Final

That wi
That will hurt.

The man who saved an entire nation and ended England's dreams of winning the World Cup opened the score in the World Cup Finals by flicking the ball into his own net.

Yes, Mario Mandzukic is the first player in history to have scored for both teams in the World Cup Finals, a record that would not sit well with the talented Croatian.

While the own goal did cost a lot, the fantastic striker was focused enough to bring his momentum back and scored for his nation, with a silly mistake from Lloris.

Considering the excitement and tension that comes with the World Cup Final, it is indeed a crazy way to enter the record books for the Croatian.

Griezmann's dangerous ball in the penalty box did lead the Croatians to panic a bit, which eventually led to the unfortunate flick from Mandzukic.

Since Croatia was very good when moving the ball ahead, losing the final with such a record would be nothing less than a heartbreak.

#3 Luka Modric is the first Croatian to win the Golden Ball

A lege
A legend in his own right

Started his life as a refugee, the talented Croatian went on to become the most applauded midfielders walking this planet at this moment.

Luka Modric, the man who forged an impossible dream by taking Croatia to its first World Cup Finals is the first Croatian to win the World Cup Golden Ball.

The honour that he now shares with huge names like Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Diego Forlan, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldo.

Despite losing in the finals, the Real Madrid magician delivered an exceptional performance throughout; deciding the games for his nation multiple times.

While the honour may not be the one Modric was looking for, it very well cements his position in history as the only Croatian to do so.

His precision. His skills. His ability to unlock the defence and create decisive moments. Luka Modric does it all, and he does deserve the Golden Ball.

#4 The VAR that acknowledged a wrong decision in the most decisive time

Enter capti
The moment that drowned a nation

If you're well versed with the football rules, then you'll understand that a penalty is only given when the defender in question intentionally uses his hand or fouls the attacker in question.

Considering this moment came well before the first half, the Croatians were fueled with all the anger in the world for the man in-charge of the final.

The moment came when Griezmann took the corner and delivered the ball only to be converted into a decisive penalty.

While the decision rested upon a VAR decision, the entire nation of Croatia were left in tears when the referee awarded France with a penalty.

With repeated views of the foul in question, it was clearly observed that the defender in question unintentionally touched the ball.

Another proof was that there was no French player standing behind him which only justifies the fact that it was completely meaningless.

This was the first time in World Cup history that the VAR was being used and it ended up exploding the twitter, with millions of football fans fuming over the decision.

Had it not been awarded, the match could have had provided more boost to the Croatians who are largely dominant in the entire match.

#5 Croatia were playing their first World Cup Final

The world will r
The world will remember them forever

Since gaining independence in 1991, Croatia have appeared in the World Cup for about five times in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014, and 2018 respectively.

Since the nation was once a part of Yugoslavia, Luka Modric and his army decided to deliver something exceptional on the biggest stage of football.

The Croatians, by performing tremendously entered their first World Cup in history. A small nation with its heart pumping for glory, the Croatians have won everyone's respect.

Considering that this could be the final time Luka Modric plays for his nation, the future of this side seems to be very bright.

Despite losing to France in a six-goal thriller, there were plenty of crazy records that were formed and will forever remain in our hearts.

Nothing, but respect for Croatia.

Quick Links

Edited by Kishan Prasad
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications