France's 2018 World Cup Victory: Relive The Final Score!

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a tournament filled with memorable moments, stunning upsets, and unforgettable performances. But perhaps no moment was more significant than the final match, where France faced off against Croatia. The thrilling encounter captivated audiences worldwide, culminating in a victory for Les Bleus. Let's dive deep into the details of that epic final and relive the excitement.

The Road to the Final: France's Journey

Before we dissect the final score, it's essential to understand the journey France undertook to reach that pinnacle. France, led by coach Didier Deschamps and featuring a star-studded squad including Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Paul Pogba, entered the tournament as one of the favorites. Their group stage performance was steady, securing wins against Australia and Peru, and a draw against Denmark. This secured their place in the knockout stage, where the real challenges began.

In the Round of 16, France faced a tough test against Argentina, a match that ended in a 4-3 victory for the French. This game was a rollercoaster, showcasing Mbappé's blistering pace and goal-scoring prowess. The quarter-finals saw them up against Uruguay, a team known for its defensive solidity. However, France managed to break through, winning 2-0 and securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The semi-final clash against Belgium was a tactical battle, with France emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. This hard-fought victory set the stage for the final against Croatia, a team that had surprised many with their resilience and fighting spirit.

Croatia's Unexpected Rise

Croatia's journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. Led by captain Luka Modrić, they navigated a challenging path, showcasing incredible determination and teamwork. In the group stage, they secured convincing wins against Nigeria, Argentina, and Iceland, displaying their attacking threat and defensive stability.

The knockout stage was where Croatia truly shone. Their Round of 16 match against Denmark went to penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Croatia emerging victorious. The quarter-finals against Russia, the host nation, were another tense affair, also decided by penalties after a 2-2 draw. These back-to-back penalty shootout wins demonstrated Croatia's mental fortitude and resilience.

The semi-final against England was a dramatic encounter, with Croatia coming from behind to win 2-1 in extra time. This victory secured their place in the final, marking the first time in their history that they had reached this stage of the World Cup. Their journey was a testament to their unwavering spirit and tactical discipline.

The 2018 World Cup Final: A Detailed Breakdown

The final match between France and Croatia took place on July 15, 2018, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both nations eagerly anticipating the clash. The game itself was a captivating affair, filled with drama, controversy, and plenty of goals.

The final score was 4-2 in favor of France. However, the match was far from straightforward. France took the lead in the 18th minute through an own goal by Mario Mandžukić, after a free-kick from Antoine Griezmann. This early goal put France in a favorable position, but Croatia quickly responded.

Croatia equalized in the 28th minute with a powerful strike from Ivan Perišić. The game was now finely balanced, with both teams displaying their attacking intent. However, controversy struck in the 38th minute when France was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Griezmann stepped up and converted the penalty, giving France a 2-1 lead going into halftime.

The second half saw France extend their lead in the 59th minute with a brilliant goal from Paul Pogba. This goal provided France with a cushion, but Croatia refused to give up. Just six minutes later, Kylian Mbappé scored a stunning goal, making it 4-1 to France. At 19 years old, Mbappé became only the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final.

Croatia managed to pull one back in the 69th minute through Mario Mandžukić, who redeemed himself after his earlier own goal. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to find another goal, and the match ended with a 4-2 victory for France.

Key Moments and Controversies

The 2018 World Cup final was filled with several key moments and controversies that shaped the outcome of the match. One of the most debated moments was the penalty awarded to France in the first half. The referee, after consulting the VAR, ruled that Perišić had handled the ball in the penalty area. However, replays suggested that the decision was questionable, leading to widespread debate among fans and pundits.

Another significant moment was the performance of Kylian Mbappé, who became a pivotal figure in the match. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability were on full display, and his goal in the second half effectively sealed the victory for France. Mbappé's performance earned him widespread praise and cemented his status as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

The Aftermath and Legacy

France's victory in the 2018 World Cup was a momentous occasion for the nation. It marked their second World Cup title, following their triumph in 1998. The victory sparked celebrations across France, with millions of fans taking to the streets to celebrate their team's success.

For Croatia, reaching the final was a remarkable achievement, despite the defeat. Their performance in the tournament earned them widespread admiration, and they returned home to a hero's welcome. The tournament also solidified Luka Modrić's status as one of the best midfielders in the world, and he was later awarded the Ballon d'Or for his outstanding performances.

The 2018 World Cup final will be remembered as a thrilling and controversial encounter, filled with drama and unforgettable moments. France's victory was a testament to their talent, teamwork, and tactical discipline, while Croatia's journey to the final was a story of resilience and determination. The final score of 4-2 will forever be etched in the history of the World Cup.

The Star Players of the Final

Several players stood out during the final match, delivering exceptional performances that contributed to the game's excitement and outcome.

  • Antoine Griezmann: The French forward was instrumental, scoring a penalty and assisting on another goal. His overall performance demonstrated his importance to the French team.

  • Kylian Mbappé: At just 19 years old, Mbappé showcased his incredible talent by scoring a crucial goal. His speed and agility made him a constant threat to the Croatian defense.

  • Paul Pogba: The midfielder controlled the game's tempo and scored a vital goal, solidifying his reputation as a world-class player.

  • Luka Modrić: Despite the loss, Modrić's leadership and skill were evident throughout the tournament and the final match. His ability to dictate play was crucial to Croatia's success.

  • Ivan Perišić: Scored a fantastic goal for Croatia and was a constant threat, even though he was involved in the controversial penalty decision against his team.

Conclusion: A World Cup Final to Remember

The France 2018 World Cup final score will forever be a significant moment in football history. The match was a captivating contest between two talented teams, filled with unforgettable moments and controversies. France's victory marked their second World Cup title, while Croatia's remarkable journey to the final earned them widespread admiration. The game's excitement, drama, and high stakes made it a truly memorable event for fans worldwide. Whether you're a fan of Les Bleus or the Vatreni, the 2018 World Cup final remains a classic in the annals of football.

So, there you have it, guys! A trip down memory lane to relive the exhilarating 2018 World Cup final where France clinched victory. Hope you enjoyed reminiscing about those nail-biting moments and stunning goals!