I. Match Progression: Drama and Classic Fusion
On July 15, 2018, Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium witnessed a dramatic World Cup final. The showdown between France and Croatia, marked by six goals, VAR controversies, and a battle of stamina, became the second-highest-scoring final in World Cup history (trailing only the 5-2 result in 1958).
Early Stages: Croatia dominated possession (65.7% overall) but France struck first through a set piece. In the 18th minute, Antoine Griezmann delivered a right-sided free-kick, and Croatian defender Mario Mandžukić inadvertently headed it into his own net, giving France a 1-0 lead. This own goal, the first in a World Cup final, continued France’s efficiency from set pieces in the tournament (nearly 40% of their goals came from dead-ball situations).
Croatia fought back in the 28th minute: Luka Modrić floated a free-kick, Dejan Lovren flicked it back, and Ivan Perišić evaded N’Golo Kanté in the box before firing into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1. However, Croatia’s joy lasted just 10 minutes. In the 33rd minute, Griezmann’s corner struck Perišić’s outstretched arm; after a VAR review, the referee awarded France a penalty. Despite Perišić’s unintentional handball, VAR altered the decision for the first time in a World Cup final, and Griezmann converted to put France back ahead 2-1.
Second-Half Onslaught: France extended their lead with clinical counterattacks. In the 59th minute, Paul Pogba received a pass from Kylian Mbappé and drilled home with two quick touches into the bottom corner. Just five minutes later, Mbappé unleashed a stunning long-range strike that arrowed into the corner, making it 4-1. Croatia pulled one back in the 68th minute when Mandžukić capitalized on Hugo Lloris’ error, but they could not mount a comeback.
II. Tactical Battle: Counterattacks vs. Stamina Drain
France manager Didier Deschamps stuck to the counterattacking strategy that had worked in the knockout stages, using Mbappé’s pace and Griezmann’s creativity to breach Croatia’s defense. Despite owning just 34.3% possession, France registered 7 shots with 6 on target—an exceptional efficiency rate. Pogba, the midfield linchpin, excelled in both attack and defense, contributing a goal while making a game-high 7 clearances and 5 interceptions to link play.
Croatia’s high-pressing and midfield control (517 passes, nearly double France’s total) dominated stretches of the game, but three consecutive extra-time matches (360 minutes total) left them fatigued. France, by contrast, had an extra day of rest and no extra-time battles, with their stamina edge becoming evident in the final stages. Though Modrić (12.9 km covered) and Ivan Rakitić orchestrated Croatia’s midfield, their efforts were undone by exhaustion.
III. Controversies and Highlights: VAR’s Historic Moment
VAR’s use in the tournament sparked widespread debate, with two key decisions in the final taking center stage:
Mandžukić’s Own Goal: Griezmann went down after a challenge with Marcelo Brozović outside the box, and the referee initially awarded a free-kick. While some media questioned Griezmann for “diving,” VAR could not intervene as the incident was not goal-related, leaving the call unchallenged.
Perišić’s Handball Penalty: This marked the first VAR-overturned penalty in a World Cup final. Though Perišić did not intentionally handle the ball, the rule stating that an outstretched arm 扩大 ing the body’s area constituted a foul stood. Pundits like Roy Keane called it “disgraceful,” but the moment underscored VAR’s growing role in the sport.
IV. Player Performances and Historical Legacies
France’s Rising Stars: At 19 years and 342 days, Mbappé became the second-youngest goalscorer in a World Cup final (after Pelé). His speed and breakthroughs were lethal on the counter, earning him 1 goal, 1 assist, and the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
Deschamps’ Dual Glory: As captain of France’s 1998 winners and now manager, Deschamps joined Franz Beckenbauer and Mário Zagallo as the only men to lift the World Cup as both player and coach.
Croatia’s Resilience: Despite defeat, Modrić claimed the Golden Ball for his standout displays (12.9 km covered, 91% pass accuracy), while Croatia achieved their best-ever World Cup finish (runners-up).
V. Post-Match Impact: National Pride and Economic Ripples
France erupted in celebration, with over a million people flooding Paris’ Champs-Élysées and Marseille, though sporadic riots broke out, leading to over 500 arrests. The victory ended a 20-year wait for a second title and briefly boosted national soft power—think tanks estimated it could add 0.1% to France’s GDP and reinforce President Emmanuel Macron’s image as a “young, dynamic” leader. However, the economic impact was limited: Euler Hermes predicted a mere 0.2%-1.3% rise in consumption, and long-term social issues (poverty, unemployment) remained unaddressed.
