Many thought that France national team came out as champions against Croatia national team in the World Cup Final 2018. Both teams are equally great, the spirit of both are equally strong. But, the historical factor that makes the perception if France excels over Croatia.
How come? France ever won the world cup in 1998, while Croatia is the best achievement in their history this year. Then, the overall player matter, French is still on top of Croatia.
The France national team was crowned world champions after defeating an underdog Croatian team 4-2 in the World Cup final in Moscow on Sunday. The penalty-kick from Antoine Griezmann and goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe were enough to lead them to the title.
So here are the interesting facts about both teams, France vs Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final:
Didier Deschamps became the third man to win the World Cup as a player and coach after Mario Zagallo (Brazil) and Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
“My greatest source of pride is they had they right state of mind,” Deschamps, who had captained France to the 1998 title.
The France manager lifted the trophy as captain in Paris 20 years ago, and earned another soccer champion as Les Bleus defeated Croatia in Moscow on Sunday.
Only Franz Beckenbauer has achieved that achievement before. A captain of the national team, then West Germany, won the title in 1974 and then trained them in 1990, then won it again.
Indeed, there are rarely players who win the World Cup to repeat tricks as coaches. Mario Zagallo, who appeared in Brazil's 1958 and 1962 victories and then served for the others in 1970, is the only other person who has done so.
Mario Mandzukic became the second player in World Cup history to score goals for his team and also an own goal in one game
image: Times Now
Although Croatia played better in the first half and had the game, it was a mistake to reward France. Mandzukic headed the ball into his own net 18 minutes on the set piece to make it 1-0.
Mario Mandzukic became the second player in World Cup history to score goals for his team and also an own goal in one game, after Dutchman Ernie Brandts in a duel against Italy in 1978.
Pogba makes Manchester United history in World Cup final
image: SB Nation
Paul Pogba scored inside the penalty box with his left foot accurately and fooled Croatian goalkeeper, Subasic, who misunderstood the ball's direction.T he 25-year-old star midfielder made the score 3-1 in 59 minutes.
In addition to being the first Premier League player to have scored in the final since Emmanuel Petit for France in 1998 against Brazil, Pogba became the first Manchester United player to score in the final. it brings Manchester United into the history of the world cup final.
The Croatia national team always runs the game for 120 minutes in a three-knockout phase to be in the final.
image: Pulse
It's a tough move for Croatia to make history through the 2018 World Cup final, their first final in history.
Judging from the physical point of view, the boys of Zlatko Dalic are very drained of their stamina. Imagine, Croatia must always pass the game for 120 minutes in three knock-out phase matches in Russia! Because they are always faced with a formidable opponent and must enter the extra-time round.
Despite topping Group D with a perfect record, including beat Argentina with a score of 3-0, Croatia turned out to have to take a steep path in the knockout stage.
Kylian Mbappe became the second youngest player after Pele who can score in the final of the World Cup
image: Daily Express
Kylian Mbappe also set records on Sunday during a goal-packed World Cup final between France and Croatia. Wonderkid of PSG became the youngest player since Pele scored in a decisive match of the World Cup finals with an accurate and speedy kick past Subasic.
Pele was just 17 when he scored twice for Brazil in the 1958 decider against Sweden, as the Selecao took a 5-2 victory. Sixty years had come and gone without anyone matching the legend's record, until the PSG's wonderkid decided to strike and he's 19 years old.
First VAR-assisted goal in a World Cup final
image: Daily Express
The video assistant referee (VAR) is a football assistant referee who reviews decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and a headset for communication.
Unfortunately for Croatia, defeat begins with Perisic mistakes. Handball at Perisic was called a penalty after Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and Griezmann completed it in the 38th minute. With this being the first tournament with VAR, it was the first time seeing it used in the final.
Source: CBSSport, Fox Soccer, NYTimes, Opta Joe