FIFA World Cup final: France beat Croatia, win first global title in 20 years

Moscow: France defeated Croatia 4-2 in a six-goal thrilling FIFA World Cup 2018 final to clinch their first title in 20 years, their second overall. 

Goals from Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and an own goal by Mario Mandzukic is what led Les Bleus to the world title.

France coach Didier Deschamps became the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and manager after Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and West Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer.

Croatia managed to equalise through Ivan Perisic in the first half, but failed to capitalise on the opportunity as the French dominated.

However, Modric's men got some consolation after Mario Mandzukic scored the nation's second goal, which was too little too late.

Live events

90 + 5': FRANCE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!! They beat Croatia 4-2 to win their first World Cup in 20 years.

90': Five minutes have been added in injury time.

69': GOAAAL!!! Mario Mandzukic gives Croatia something to celebrate for. Is this too late from Modric's men?

65': GOAAAAL! Kylian Mbappe gives France another goal as they continue to dominate.

59': GOAAALL!! Paul Pogba scores a stunner to give France one more goal. They are almost World champions now.

55': N'Golo Kante comes off, Steven Nzonzi comes in as France make a substitution.

45' (Second half):  The second half is underway! Will France extend the lead or will Croatia equalise again?

45 + 3': HALF-TIME! An entertaining first half comes to an end as France take a 2-1 lead thanks to a penalty by Antoine Griezmann.

45': Three minutes added in the injury time.

36': GOAAAAL! Antoine Griezmann scores a penalty. It's 2-1 in favour of France.

27': GOAAAAAL! Ivan Perisic takes a long-range shot to get Croatia back in the game! It's 1-1!

18': GOAAAAL! It's the first goal of the World Cup final and its an own goal. Griezmann takes a free-kick as Croatia's Mario Mandzukic accidentally scores an own goal. This is the first-ever own goal at a World Cup final.

15': Kylian Mbappe's attempt is stopped by Croatian defender Vida as he eyes a breakthrough.

7': Luka Modric takes a corner for Croatia.

5': The match has got off to a slow start, but it looks like either of the teams could get a breakthrough.

1': The match is underway!

Lineups

The lineups for the big match have been announced. France have gone with a full-strength forward attack-with Griezmann, Mbappe and Giroud among the starters.

Whereas Croatia have given defender Vida a start, while Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic all start.

Here is the entire lineup:

Preview

The stage is set for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. France stands in Croatia’s way as Luka Modric’s men aim for their first-ever global trophy as the summit clash takes place in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

The only encounter in a World Cup came in the 1998 edition, where Les Bleus went onto win the semifinal match 2-1 and eventually football’s biggest prize.

Overall, France and Croatia have met five times, with the French having won thrice and two matches ending in draws.

France head coach Didier Deschamps could become just the third man to win the World Cup both as a player and coach- with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and West Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer being the only other two.

One thing which both France and Croatia have in common is beating Argentina.

While Lionel Messi and co had a lifeline despite losing to Zlatko Dalić’s side, La Albiceleste suffered a round of 16 loss to Deschamps’ men after the match ended 4-3- so close, yet so far.

Kylian Mbappe and Antoinne Griezmann will be vital for France if they are to win their first World Cup in 20 years.

At 19, Mbappe becomes just the third teen to play in a World Cup final, after Brazil’s Pele ( 1958) and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi (1982).

Where is the match?

The match will take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

When is the match?

The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 P.M. IST on Sunday, July 15th.

Live telecast:

With Sony Sports Network acquiring the broadcasting rights, the matches can be aired live on Sony Ten 2/HD and Sony Ten 3/HD.

Live streaming:

Live action can be streamed via the SonyLiv app or on SonyLiv.com.