FIFA World Cup 2018, Final – France vs Croatia – Five Talking Points
Jul 16, 2018 at 6:16 PM
France vs Croatia has lived up to the expectation of a FIFA world cup final. Both the sides have entertained the fans with their own style of football.
However, France’s incredible conversion rate has helped them secure an easy win. On the other hand, Croatia have had an incredible run to the world cup final. The team takes a lot of pride from their efforts.
Here we look at the top 5 talking points from the biggest event in football.
Kylian Mbappe Is The Future King
The young French striker has lived up to his billing in this world cup. Touted as the next big thing in football, Mbappe has scored 4 goals in this world cup.
Also he scored a screamer in the final against Croatia. Incidentally, he also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a world cup final. If anything to go by, he is the rightful heir to Ronaldo and Messi’s Legacy in football.
Sometimes being the best is not enough
Croatia’s Luka Modric has had the best tournament in his career. He has been influential from the middle of the pitch and has dictated the play.
Although Croatia dominated the possession and shots, they were unable to penetrate through the French defence. Modric has been a hero in this world cup for Croatia. But he will rue the opportunity on missing the glory.
Clinical France dominated Croatia
Croatia have played like a champion team in the first 20 minutes. They dictated the game and France were left clueless.
However, as the match went on, France became more and more authoritative in their approach. They ensured they score from every major opportunity.
Croatia have had plenty of chances but their inability to make the best use of them proved to the difference between the two sides.
Didier Deschamps – The man of the moment
Despite having plenty of talent at his disposal, Deschamps was very clear with his team selection ahead of the World Cup.
Although he received criticism for dropping Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman, Deschamps stayed true to his selection. He has been the mastermind behind France’s incredible run in the World Cup.
By winning the FIFA World Cup 2018, he becomes just the third person ever to win the tournament both as a player and coach.
VAR controversy again sparks up
France had sailed to their victory in the second half, but the first half saw a few controversies.
The opening goal of France came from a deflection through Mario Mandzukic. But when the Croatian Striker was about to touch the ball, Paul Pogba was in a slightly offside position.
The penalty for France’s second goal has split the world. Perisic had handled the ball and after replays referee spotted to penalty. This decision has caused a stir amongst fans, but ultimately it is the referee who made the decision and not VAR.