Moscow, July 15: France won the World Cup for the second time after beating Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating final, that included a controversial use of VAR, today in Moscow.
A Mario Mandzukic own goal (18) set France on their way but Ivan Perisic fired home an equalised 10 minutes later.
But seven minutes before half-time, referee Nestor Pitana contentiously awarded a spot-kick for a handball by Perisic after consulting pitch-side replays, which Griezmann stuck away
Second-half goals from Paul Pogba (59) and Kylian Mbappé (65) took the game away from Croatia, who did score a comical consolation through Mandzukic after a Hugo Lloris error.
The victory means France boss Didier Deschamps becomes only the third person to lift the trophy as a player and manager, following Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.
Deschamps’ risk-averse tactics allowed Croatia to boss the opening stages in terms of possession but it was France that struck first, with their first meaningful attack.
Griezmann whipped in a free-kick with his left-foot and, in a desperate attempt to clear, Mandzukic flicked the ball past his own goalkeeper and became the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final.
Croatia were not to be deterred by falling behind for the third time in the knockout stages and Perisic drew them deservedly level.
The Inter Milan foward seized the ball on the edge of the box and took a touch with his right foot to take him past N’Golo Kante before rifling a left-footed shot past Lloris, via a minor deflection off Raphael Varane.
France maintained their maintained their timid approach and had yet to register a shot on goal when the referee stepped in to gift them an opportunity to regain the lead.
A corner from the right was flicked on by Blaise Matuidi and the ball struck Perisic’s hand, although he seemed to know little about it. Initially, Pitana signalled for just a corner but a VAR review was initiated and after watching numerous replays, Pitana, overturned his original decision and awarded the penalty, which Griezmann rolled home.
Deschamps’ side increased their intensity after the break with Mbappe finding more space on the counter-attack and the 19-year-old played a part as France extended their lead on 59 minutes.
Pogba started the move with a sensational half-volleyed through ball for the Paris Saint-Germain striker, who then found Griezmann. The ball was laid back to Pogba and on his second attempt, fired a left-footed shot that completely wrong-footed Danijel Subasic. (Agencies)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
