Moscow, Russia: France scored twice in each half as they thumped a combative Croatia 4-2 in a dramatic final to win the FIFA World Cup for the second time in 20 years here on Sunday.
A first-ever own goal in a World Cup final gave France the lead as Mario Mandzukic headed a free-kick into his own net in the 18th minute but Croatia pulled level through a strike from Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute.
Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty in the 38th minute to regain France’s lead which was further increased to 3-1 by Paul Pogba in the 59th minute.
Kylian Mbappe (65th) made it 4-1 before Mandzukic pounced on a blunder from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to reduce the difference to two in the 69th minute, giving some hope to Croatia. But the third goal from Croatia never arrived as the talented French side sealed a deserving triumph.
Live updates:
10:20 p.m.: France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the FIFA World Cup 2018.
10:00 p.m.: France move 4-2 ahead in World Cup final against Croatia
Teenagers to score in a #WorldCupFinal
* Pele
* Kylian MbappeThat is all. pic.twitter.com/Cy3RvGOoV7
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
09:50 p.m.: French Team extend their lead through paulpogba!
POGBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! @FrenchTeam extend their lead through @paulpogba! #FRACRO 3-1#WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/NfuSoCRHBL
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
With inputs from IANS