Croatia’s marvellous run in FIFA World Cup 2018 did not get the fairytale ending. Croatia were outclassed by France 4-2. The first goal was an own goal from Mario Mandzukic in the 18th minute during a corner kick. Soon enough, Ivan Perisic scored the equaliser with a wonderful goal in the 28th minute. Perisic made a mistake in the first-half as the cross from the Frenchmen hit his hand and they were awarded a penalty kick through VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Antoine Griezmann made no mistake as he was able to beat Croatian goalkeeper Subasic with ease.
The first half was not one-sided but France capitalised in the second-half. France took the game away in the second-half despite desperate attempts from Croatia to score an equaliser. Situations got worse for Croatia as Paul Pogba scored a stunner in the 59th minute. It was quickly followed up by a goal from Kylian Mbappe, increasing the difference between the two sides. Mbappe became the first teenager since Brazilian legend Pele to score in a World Cup final.
France have won the 2018 FIFA #WorldCup in Moscow! #FRACRO // #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/fZhmJmxjVh
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
No matter how hard the Luka Modric-led Croatian side pushed, they were not able to make a comeback, However, they got a consolidatory goal in the 69th minute as Mandzukic tried to make amends, making use of the French goalkeeper’s blunder. Nevertheless, this is Croatia’s best result so far. They were phenomenal in the semi-final, ending England’s unbeaten run.
