France became two-time world champions with one of the most dramatic World Cup finals ever seen as they beat Croatia 4-2 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, bringing to an end a fantastic tournament in Russia.
Having gone into the final as overwhelming favourites, Croatia helped settle their nerves when Mario Mandzukic headed into his own net from Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick.
But with fears that the goal would open the floodgates for France against a side that has been through extra-time in their last three matches, Croatia hit back. The French defence failed to clear the danger as the ball pinged around the box and Ivan Perisic was on hand to smash it past Hugo Lloris to equalise.
But the drama was only just beginning. Referee Nestor Pitana waved away a handball shout against Perisic, but a Video Assistant Referee review led to him overturning his decision and awarding a penalty to France, which Griezmann converted calmly.
With a half-time lead, France confidently kicked on and Paul Pogba appeared to put the game beyond doubt midway through the second half when he swiped at the ball with his left foot to put is past Danijel Subasic at the second attempt.
Just six minutes later, Kylian Mbappe put the result beyond doubt with an exquisite finish from range, and although Lloris gave Croatia hope with a howler as he let Mandzukic score when he dallied in his own area, France ran out final winners and two-time world champions.
Click on the gallery above to see how the players performed.
