Goals by Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe sealed France’s second World Cup win in 20 years as they defeated Croatia 4-2.
With an average age of 26, France had the second youngest team in the tournament, and their golden generation featuring Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are set to return home as heroes.
Antoine Griezmann won the French their first goal, although it came against the run of play.
Croatia dominated the opening quarter, harrying the French back four with commendable discipline.
However a free kick in the 18th minute from Griezmann flicked off of Croatian star Mario Mandzukic’s head and nestled into the far corner of the Croatian net.
It only took 11 minutes for Croatia to equalise, with a lovely control from Peresic giving himself space to shoot in the French box before he drilled a shot past Hugo Lloris.
Croatia’s lead wasn’t to last. A VAR review helped the referee decide that Persisic handled the ball in his own box in the 38th minute, leaving Griezmann to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
The third goal was scored in the 59th minute by Pogba, who picked up the original initial shot was blocked, although thae second chance was steered gracefully into the net.
It seemed crucial and definitive, but was followed by a 65th minute scorcher from French wonderkid Kylian Mbappe, who drilled home a low shot from 25 years for his fourth of the tournament.
Mpbappe became the second ever youngest scorer in a World Cup final, 60 years after a 17-year-old Pele won the top spot.
Play resumed swiftly after a group of people dressed in official uniforms invaded the pitch.
Croatia picked up a second in the 69th minute after a Lloris howler saw possession given needlessly away to Mandzukic, who duly found the back of the net.
Agency Report, Photo theweek.com.uk
