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

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and relive one of the most exciting moments in football history: France's triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a culmination of talent, strategy, and sheer determination. In this article, we'll dive deep into the details of that unforgettable final match, exploring the key moments, the star players, and the overall impact of France's victory. So, buckle up and get ready to relive the magic!

The Road to the Final

Before we get to the final score, let's quickly recap France's journey to the final match. The French team, led by coach Didier Deschamps, navigated a challenging path through the group stage and knockout rounds. Their group stage performance saw them secure wins against Australia and Peru, along with a draw against Denmark. While their group stage performance was solid, it was in the knockout stages where France truly began to shine.

In the round of 16, they faced a formidable Argentina team, a match that ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for France. This game was a rollercoaster, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides. Kylian Mbappé's electrifying performance, which included two goals, announced him as a global superstar. The quarter-final saw them overcome Uruguay with a 2-0 victory, displaying their defensive strength and tactical discipline. The semi-final was a hard-fought battle against Belgium, which France won 1-0, thanks to a goal from Samuel Umtiti. This victory set the stage for the final showdown.

France's journey to the final was marked by tactical flexibility, defensive solidity, and attacking flair. Deschamps' ability to adapt his team's strategy to different opponents was crucial to their success. The blend of experienced players like Hugo Lloris, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann, combined with the youthful exuberance of Mbappé and others, created a balanced and formidable squad. Their path to the final was a testament to their resilience, determination, and overall quality as a team. Now, let's dive into the specifics of the final match itself.

The Final Showdown: France vs. Croatia

The 2018 World Cup Final took place on July 15th at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. France faced off against Croatia, a team that had captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their never-say-die attitude and impressive performances throughout the tournament. Croatia, led by Luka Modrić, had overcome several tough opponents on their way to the final, including Denmark, Russia, and England, all via extra time or penalty shootouts. Their resilience and fighting spirit made them a worthy opponent for France.

The atmosphere at the Luzhniki Stadium was electric, with fans from both countries creating a vibrant and passionate atmosphere. The match began with a high tempo, as both teams looked to assert their dominance. France took the lead in the 18th minute when Antoine Griezmann's free-kick deflected off Mario Mandžukić and into his own net. This early goal gave France the advantage, but Croatia responded strongly.

Croatia equalized ten minutes later through Ivan Perišić, who scored with a powerful left-footed shot after a well-worked set-piece. However, Perišić was later controversially penalized for handball after a VAR review, and Griezmann converted the resulting penalty to restore France's lead in the 38th minute. The first half ended with France leading 2-1, but the match was far from over. The second half saw France extend their lead with two quick goals. Paul Pogba scored in the 59th minute with a well-placed shot after a smart run, and Kylian Mbappé added another goal in the 65th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. At 4-1, France seemed to be in complete control, but Croatia refused to give up.

Mario Mandžukić capitalized on a mistake by Hugo Lloris to score in the 69th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Despite Croatia's best efforts, France held on to their lead and secured a memorable victory. The final whistle blew, and France were crowned the 2018 World Cup champions. Let's break down the final score.

The Final Score: France 4 - Croatia 2

The final score of the 2018 World Cup Final was France 4 - Croatia 2. This scoreline reflects the thrilling and eventful nature of the match, with both teams contributing to an unforgettable spectacle. France's goals came from an own goal by Mario Mandžukić, a penalty by Antoine Griezmann, and strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé. Croatia's goals were scored by Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić.

France's victory was a testament to their clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on key moments. While Croatia dominated possession and created several chances, France were more efficient in front of goal. The final score doesn't fully reflect the balance of play, but it does highlight France's effectiveness in converting their opportunities. The match was full of drama, controversy, and moments of brilliance, making it a classic World Cup Final.

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 significant moments was the controversial penalty awarded to France after a VAR review for a handball by Ivan Perišić. The decision was heavily debated, with many arguing that the handball was unintentional and should not have resulted in a penalty. However, the referee, after consulting the VAR, stood by his decision, and Griezmann converted the penalty to give France a 2-1 lead.

Another key moment was Hugo Lloris's mistake, which allowed Mario Mandžukić to score Croatia's second goal. Lloris attempted to dribble past Mandžukić inside his own penalty area, but the Croatian striker intercepted the ball and scored, reducing the deficit to 4-2. While the mistake added some late drama to the match, France were able to hold on to their lead and secure the victory. Kylian Mbappé's goal was also a significant moment, as it made him the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final, after Pelé. His powerful strike showcased his immense talent and cemented his status as one of the brightest young stars in world football.

Star Players and Performances

Several players delivered outstanding performances in the 2018 World Cup Final. For France, Antoine Griezmann was instrumental, scoring a penalty and contributing to the opening goal with his free-kick. Paul Pogba also had a significant impact, scoring a crucial goal and controlling the midfield with his passing and tackling. Kylian Mbappé's performance was electrifying, with his pace, dribbling, and finishing causing problems for the Croatian defense throughout the match. Hugo Lloris, despite his mistake, made several important saves to help France maintain their lead. N'Golo Kanté's tireless work in midfield provided a solid defensive foundation for the team.

For Croatia, Luka Modrić was exceptional, dictating the tempo of the game and creating several chances with his vision and passing. Ivan Perišić scored a brilliant goal and was a constant threat to the French defense. Mario Mandžukić also contributed with a goal and his relentless pressing. Despite their efforts, Croatia were unable to overcome France's clinical finishing and defensive resilience. The performances of these star players added to the excitement and drama of the final match.

The Impact of France's Victory

France's victory in the 2018 World Cup had a significant impact, both on and off the field. On the field, it solidified France's position as one of the top footballing nations in the world. It was their second World Cup title, following their triumph in 1998, and it confirmed their status as a force to be reckoned with in international football. The victory also provided a boost to French football, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. The success of the national team led to increased investment in youth development and infrastructure, which is expected to benefit French football for years to come.

Off the field, France's victory brought a sense of unity and pride to the nation. The team's diverse squad, which included players from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, symbolized the multicultural nature of French society. The victory was celebrated by people from all walks of life, and it provided a much-needed boost to national morale. The success of the team also had a positive impact on the French economy, with increased tourism and merchandise sales. France's victory in the 2018 World Cup was more than just a sporting achievement; it was a moment of national unity and pride that will be remembered for years to come.

In conclusion, France's 2018 World Cup victory was a truly memorable achievement. The final score of 4-2 against Croatia reflected the excitement and drama of the match, while the team's overall performance throughout the tournament showcased their talent, strategy, and determination. The victory had a significant impact on French football and the nation as a whole, and it will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in French sporting history. What a game, right?