KalingaTV News Network
Moscow: France won the FIFA World Cup for the second time by beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling final at the Luzhniki Stadium here in Russia on Sunday night.
France led 2-1 at halftime courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic’s head came in the 18th minute.
Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute. But France took the lead once again when Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty in the 38th minute.
Four pitch invaders disrupted the game in the 52nd minute for about a minute before being dragged away by security and police. Play resumed and France quickly took a 4-1 lead.
Goals came through Paul Pogba in the 59th minute and Kylian Mbappe in the 65th minute. Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.
The 19-year-old Mbappe became only the second teenager after Pele to score in a World Cup final.
Didier Deschamps’ side repeated the success on home soil in 1998. The victory meant Deschamps, who captained them 20 years ago, became just the third man to win the competition as a player and coach.
In this World Cup, England’s Harry Kane (6 goals) received Golden Boot award, while Luka Modric of Croatia was adjudged Golden Ball. Antoine Griezmann and Mbappe both from France received Man of the match in the Final and Best young player in the World cup respectively.
Kalinga AI