The Croatian football team failed to lift the FIFA World Cup as they lost to France 2-4 in a dramatic final of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Moscow on July 15. France scored twice in each half as they lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in 20 years.
France took the lead in the 18th minute following a first-ever own goal in a World Cup final as Mario Mandzukic headed a free-kick into his own goalpost.
Croatians, however, levelled through a strike from Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute.
In the 38th minute, Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty to regain France’s lead which was further increased to 3-1 by Paul Pogba in the 59th minute.
Kylian Mbappe made it 4-1 in the 65th minute before Mandzukic pounced on a blunder from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to reduce the difference to two goals in the 69th minute.
Afterwards, Croatians struggled to score another until till the on-field referee blew the last whistle.
Though Croatians lost the chance to lift their first-ever FIFA World Cup, they won millions of hearts. Soon after the result, Twitter was flooded with congratulatory messages for Luka Modric-led Croatia as they termed them the ‘real winner’.
Congrats to Croatia on a remarkable run to the final.
— SportsTalkFeed (@SportsTalkFeed) July 15, 2018
Credit to France. Had a few lucky breaks in the final but worthy World Cup winners. Croatia have been great to watch. Entertaining end to a fantastic tournament in Russia.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 15, 2018
Also fair play to Croatia. Lost the final but won our hearts ______
— Juan “WorldCup” Direction (@JuanDirection58) July 15, 2018
Congrats France! So much respect to Croatia!!! #WorldCupFinals Rocks!!!!!
— Dhenver Cuizon (@skinnydhenzz) July 15, 2018
ok but,,, Croatia are the real winners
— mega (@happysadmelody) July 15, 2018
Well done France __, Croatia hold your heads up high. What a World Cup it was.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) July 15, 2018
Congratulations #France on an epic win!!! And bravo #Croatia for showing so much heart!! _ #WorldCup
— Stana Katic (@Stana_Katic) July 15, 2018
While I was rooting for Croatia, I congratulate the tremendously talented French squad. Below is the 1st football match I ever attended (10/11/2011) France v Bosnia-Herzegovenia at Stade de France, so thank you #LesBlue for introducing me to this beautiful sport#WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/Sk4UmoZUMF
— Timothy Morrissey (@tim_morrissey) July 15, 2018
Meanwhile, Luka Modric won the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
