France win second World Cup title after beating Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow

France defeated Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling World Cup final in Moscow to clinch their second title, after a 20-year gap.

The team, popularly known as Les Blues, were one of the early favourites and they perfectly lived up to the top billing. 

Croatia were the more dangerous team in the first half. They had more ball possession and chances, but it was France who scored first, through an own goal, against the run of play.

Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic headed in a free kick into his own net to give France the lead in the 18th minute. Croatia’s Ivan Perisic equalised for Croatia in the 28th.

The Video Assistant Referee gifted France a penalty in the 38th minute and Antonie Griezmann calmly slotted it in.

Croatia started fast in the second half, but France looked more and more dangerous. They counterattacked with passion and it was one such move which gave them the third goal. Paul Pogba started a break with an incredible pass and finished the break with a beautiful strike.

Kylian Mbappe then made it 4-1 for the winners with a great strike from distance. Just as people thought the final was well and truly over, French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a spectacular error and Mario Mandzukic a goal.

The game suddenly took on new life, but France did a masterful job of letting time go without being in trouble and without being accused of time-wasting.

Croatians tried for a third goal, but it never came and France tasted their second triumph in 20 years.