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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Charlotte Hodges

World Cup final 2018: The story of the game as France beat Croatia in thriller

France won the 2018 World Cup after a thrilling final with Croatia in Moscow.

An own goal from Mario Mandzukic gave Les Bleus the lead before Ivan Perisic hammered in a deserved equaliser minutes later. Antoine Griezmann restored the lead from the spot after referee Nestor Pitana awarded a penalty via VAR for the first time in a World Cup final.

Paul Pogba made it three with a stunning hit from the edge of the area before Kylian Mbappe, winner of the tournament's young player of the tournament, added a fourth with a fizzing drive.

Mandzukic pulled one back after a horrendous error from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris but it was to no avail as the French held out before sparking jubilant scenes.

Didier Deschamps delighted in the triumph as he became only the third man in history to lift the World Cup both as a captain and a manager.

Check out the gallery above to relive a historic afternoon in Moscow.

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