It’ll be easy to argue that France’s opener changed the complexion of the match, which it did, but nonetheless, Les Bleus are world champions for the second time in the last 20 years.
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Sunday’s 4-2 World Cup final victory over Croatia was largely possible in part because of the tremendous effort from the French attack, led by Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, however, it was Paul Pogba that once again set the tone for the team’s midfield.
Even after manager Didier Deschamps surprisingly took off N'Golo Kante in the second half, Pogba kept the team’s midfield in their proper shape and locked down the match to prevent Croatia from pulling back any more goals.
Meanwhile, Croatia had their fair share of opportunities, particularly early in the second stanza, but a number of crucial mistakes cost the European nation from hoisting their first World Cup.
Luka Modric had his moments in the team’s build up, but was largely contained in the key areas of the pitch, while Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic each had themselves quality matches, respectively, but also two key mistakes defensively that cost Croatia.
(*** Indicates Player of the Match)
FRANCE
Hugo Lloris: 4
Benjamin Pavard: 5
Raphael Varane: 5
Samuel Umtiti: 6
Lucas Hernandez: 6
***Paul Pogba: 7***
N’Golo Kante: 5
Kylian Mbappe: 7
Antoine Griezmann: 7
Blaise Matuidi: 4
CROATIA
Danijel Subasic: 4
Sime Vrsaljko: 5
Dejan Lovren: 4
Domagoj Vida: 5
Ivan Strinic: 4
Marcelo Brozovic: 5
Ivan Rakitic: 5
Ante Rebic: 4
Luka Modric: 5
Ivan Perisic: 6
Mario Mandzukic: 6
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