France defeat Croatia 4-2 to win Global Cup

France has won the World Cup by defeating Croatia 4-2 in Moscow.

It is the second World Cup trophy for France since the tournament was held in the nation back in 1998.

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.

Image: French fans gather as they watch the World Cup final

Croatia exceeded their best ever finish in the tournament.

Fans across the world - in Moscow, Paris, and Zagreb, but also London and New York - were in great noise as the 2018 World Cup in Russia came to its conclusion on Sunday.

Image: Croatian supporters stand to sing their national anthem in downtown Zagreb

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.

Image: Mandzukic flicks on Griezmann's free-kick into his own net

However a freekick 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 givin himself space to shoot in the French box before he drilled a shot past Hugo Lloris.

Image: Perisic celebrates after equalising

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.

Image: Griezmann calmly finishes from the spot

The third goal was scored in the 59th minute by Pogba, who picked up the original initial shot was blocked, although the second chance was steered gracefully into the net.

Image: Griezmann and Mbappe embrace after the third goal

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.

Image: French fans celebrate during the World Cup final

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.

More from World Cup 2018

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• World Cup 2018: England finish fourth after 2-0 loss to Belgium

• England's World Cup campaign summed up in one word: Pride

• LIVE: Belgium lead England in World Cup play-off

• Bore off, Boris! Gary Lineker accuses Boris Johnson of jumping on England bandwagon

• Gareth Southgate: England will play Belgium with 'huge pride'

A nervy affair continued to be played out over the last 20 minutes, but no more goals were forthcoming and the players rushed to celebrate with each other as the final whistle was blown.

Image: France players celebrate following the victory

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Original Article

World

March 18, 2019