Truly, madly, deeply. We will miss this World Cup like no other. The day after Bastille Day France are champions and deservedly so. But only after the most remarkable, crazy and controversial encounter against a courageous Croatia in which there was a VAR storm, and an actual storm in the skies above Moscow, a first-ever own goal in a World Cup Final, a cool strike from a new global superstar, an horrific goalkeeping blunder by the man who lifted the trophy - and a Pussy Riot pitch invasion.
To secure its status as the best ever World Cup the tournament needed a memorable final. It got it. What a finale it was to this 31-day festival of football, as Gareth Southgate called it, and it was the highest-scoring final since England beat West Germany 4-2 in 1966. Well, they sang football’s coming home. At least the score was the same and while England and their fans will never stop dreaming of what might have been - just 22 minutes from the final, if anyone needed reminding - France have the 18-carat gold, 14-inch, 11lb trophy for the second time ever and the second time in 20 years.
Didier Deschamps was their captain then and he is their coach now and became only the third man - after Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and Brazil’s Mario Zagallo - to achieve that astonishing feat and for that his place in the pantheon of French football is secured.
CREDIT: FIFA
Not that the former midfielder has always been loved and this triumph is a victory for his dogged, determined approach in overhauling the squad that lost the final of Euro 2016 - with 14 new faces - but also reverting to a more disciplined and pragmatic approach which meant shackling some of their extraordinary attacking talents. He did it his way and the danger for the rest of the world is that this is an extremely young squad - the second youngest ever (at 25 years and 10 months) after Brazil in 1970 to win the World Cup - and one that may get even better. They were the best in Russia.
Deschamps has made Paul Pogba play for the team and was rewarded with a goal - actually the first-ever scored in a World Cup Final by a Manchester United player - and an influential performance but he also has the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe who is a phenomenon.
The 19-year-old had the broadest of smiles during the playing of the national anthems prior to kick-off, looking like this was going to be his playground, but played patchily for 45 minutes before coming alive. Mbappe scored the game’s finest goal and became the first teenager to register in the final since Pele in 1958.
CREDIT: REUTERS
Even so for almost an hour Croatia, led by the player of the tournament Luka Modric, were the better team in what was their first final. In the last 11 days they had come through extra-time in the three knock-out matches, twice going to penalties, which meant they had played the equivalent of an extra game and had 24 hours less to prepare. But they again showed remarkable reserves of resilience, energy and fighting spirit to pick themselves back up and off the canvas. They never, ever gave up.
They will have burned with a sense of injustice at half-time. They had out-played France, they had swarmed around N’Golo Kante, and dominated midfield, and yet they were 2-1 down having conceded just one shot on target. Both of those goals were dipped in controversy.
For the first the furious reaction of Marcelo Brozovic suggested Antoine Greizmann had ‘bought’ a free-kick by going to ground easily but it reaped its reward. Griezmann took it, swinging the ball in with Mario Mandzukic unsettled by the presence of Raphael Varane in front of him and Pogba behind.
The ball skimmed off the forward’s head and past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic who simply did not look fit and was struggling for mobility. Even then it seemed Pogba could have been given off-side although it may have been marginal. It may also have been one where he was deemed passive. Either way it was given and Mandzukic became the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup Final.
Mandzukic scored an own goal to give France the leadCREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
It was also the fourth time in the knock-out stages that Croatia had fallen behind but, yet again, they drew level with the kind of goal that says everything about their indefatigability. Four times in the French penalty area they won the ball, from a Modric free-kick, with Domagoj Vida finally turning it back to the outstanding Ivan Perisic who deftly pushed it away from Kante and drilled a superb, powerful left-foot shot past Hugo Lloris.
Just as with France’s first fixture of this World Cup, against Australia, VAR intervened and in their favour as Griezmann’s corner flew over Blaise Matuidi and struck the left hand of his marker, Perisic, who was close behind him. Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana bizarrely gave a goal-kick but the French players angrily demanded a penalty.
Eventually Pitana was instructed by the VAR, Italian Massimiliano Irrati, to review it and ran over to the touchline. It seemed an eternity but he returned, pointing to the penalty spot and Griezmann calmly converted. It seemed harsh - Perisic did not attempt to move his hand, could not see the ball, it was not a clear and obvious error - but Croatia were behind again.
Once more they dug deep but there was always danger and not least because France have proven themselves to be the best counter-attacking team. Twice they confirmed that. The lead was extended in a move started and ended by Pogba who sent an arcing pass out wide to Mbappe whose searing pace took him into the area. He cut the ball back to Griezmann who set up Pogba after he made up the yards. The midfielder’s first, right-footed shot lacked conviction and was blocked but his second, left-footed effort curled around Modric and beyond Subasic.
Mbappe had his moment after Lucas Hernandez broke down the left and cut the ball infield. With Vida standing off Mbappe brilliantly disguised his shot from 20-plus yards to strike it low and into the corner. Game over? Not quite yet. There was one final, memorable twist as Mandzukic chased down a Samuel Umtiti back-pass with Lloris far too casual as he tried to take the ball around the forward. Mandzukic stuck out a leg and diverted it in.
But it was not enough. As the World Cup was presented the storm broke, the heavens opened and it poured down. Not that anything was going to dampen French celebrations. From Russia with love. What a World Cup this has been and, rightly, it ends with worthy winners.
It's not a real award, of course. But he should definitely get one.
Paul Pogba's happy
CREDIT: FIFA
He's proven a lot of people wrong with his performances in this World Cup and was excellent again this evening. If this same guy turned up for Manchester United they'd be a different team (although having Kante definitely helps).
That's right. Pogba has just dabbed with the World Cup trophy [applauds].
The moment of triumph
I forgot to mention earlier on. When Lloris had the trophy in his hands and lifted it skywards, the director cut to a wider shot on a different camera and ended up having the big money shot blocked by some important looking FIFA/Russian people.
Congratulations @HKane on winning the golden boot. You can now spend the next 32 years bleating on about it like the last English person to do it has !!! @GaryLineker
Congratulations to France, who played extraordinary soccer, on winning the 2018 World Cup. Additionally, congratulations to President Putin and Russia for putting on a truly great World Cup Tournament -- one of the best ever!
For me... yes. I loved France 1998, enjoyed the others I've watched (1998 is the first I properly remember as I was 13...) but this tournament had everything.
VAR made the decisions fair... most of the time. The penalty today was incredibly harsh and shouldn't have been given. The thing is though, the referee had time to look and assess the incident. It's not that he saw it wrong or made something up in an instant, he's just to blame for his decision. But anyway.
France are deserved winners. What a fun we've all had this month. The greatest show on earth!
Celebration pictures
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
CREDIT: AP
Sir Harry of Kane
Official Golden Boot winner.
France players are now flinging themselves all over the pitch
The rain has turned the pitch into a slip and slide. France players skid around everywhere completely ignoring that if they collect enough of those gold tokens, they will easily win the Crystal Maze.
France win the 2018 World Cup
Congratulations!
It's pouring with rain now
I'm not crying! It's just raining on my face. Croatia players are getting big hugs from the president of their country, it's very nice.
Putin has an umbrella over his head. Macron and Grabar-Kitarović do not. The Croatia manager's shirt is now see-through.
Thibaut Courtois wins the Golden Gloves
But they are not practical at all. If anything, wearing metal gloves will hinder his future goalkeeping career.
Luka Modric gets the Golden Ball
Player of the tournament. He's been magnificent. The president of Croatia gives him a big hug. And look at his face. Have you ever seen a happier man?
I can feel the rainbows and sun beams flying out of his eyes. I'm so warm! What a feeling.
Kylian Mbappe wins the Young Player Award
The match in a minute
If you like the World Cup and watching videos, you're in luck.
Philipp Lahm has the World Cup in his hands and is delivering it to the official World Cup plinth thing.
Player ratings
Who stood out for you? For me, Mbappe is Man of the Match, closely followed by Mr Pogba. Best defender in the world Dejan Lovren wasn't even the best defender in this game.
“Ref should’ve watched replay in real time not slow motion. Joke of a decision. No way a penalty.”
France fans seem happy
CREDIT: AP
"Claude, we're going to eat so many damn baguettes tonight!"
CREDIT: FIFA
Look at this absolute monster of a party. The streets of Paris will be amazing fun tonight... [looks at Eurostar prices] and unfortunately I won't be there to see them.
CREDIT: AFP
Congratulations to Harry Kane!
He has officially won the Golden Boot!
Player Ranking — World Cup
#
Player
Team
Goals
1
H. Kane
England
6
2
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
4
3
D. Cheryshev
Russia
4
4
R. Lukaku
Belgium
4
5
K. Mbappé
France
4
6
A. Griezmann
France
4
7
Y. Mina
Colombia
3
8
Diego Costa
Spain
3
9
E. Cavani
Uruguay
3
10
A. Dzyuba
Russia
3
Imagine what would have happened if he'd actually played well!
"Pogba was immense, pressure on, he's got to come to the fore. He's had a tough season, it's down to Jose now to unlock the Pogba we saw here."
Celebrations in the stands
CREDIT: AFP
Croatia players go to applaud the fans. Griezmann is in tears on the pitch as he goes towards France supporters, Mandzukic looks absolutely no different to any time. I'm not sure he either knows what emotions are or is prepared to express them. "It's a sign of weakness," he probably says.
A little stat for you
France are the first to score four in a World Cup final since Brazil in 1970.
I think someone needs to reset Guy Mowbray
"Tonight in Paris, they're going to party like it's 1998!"
What are you talking about Guy
FRANCE WIN THE WORLD CUP!
THEY'VE DONE IT!
MOSCOW — France’s first goal arrived off a Croat’s head, and its second only after the intervention of the Argentine referee.
But it was the next two goals, the low, hard shots that delivered the World Cup back into French hands, the goals that crowned its latest generation of stars, that confirmed what everyone knew even before its 4-2 victory over Croatia was complete: France was the best team in the field this summer in Russia, a potent mix of greatness, grit and good fortune. And now it can call itself the world champion again.
“We do not realize yet what we just did,” left back Lucas Hernández said. “When we arrive tomorrow in Paris, we will realize.”
The title is France’s second, and its first since it won on home soil in 1998, and it ended a thrilling run by Croatia over the past five weeks. The Croats survived three consecutive extra-time games — and two penalty shootouts — in the knockout rounds to reach their first final, and they even had the better of the game on Sunday. But bad bounces and a better opponent made all the difference.
France won by doing what it had done for six previous games: It fought off its opponent when it had to, and punished it when it could.
And when the final whistle blew, its players raced off the bench in glee, gathering in jumping hugs and tossing their coach, Didier Deschamps, in the air. Deschamps, a midfielder on the 1998 France team, had become something a father figure for his young team, a guiding hand on the wheel, keeping everything in line on a methodical march toward the title.
When the night ended, when France was the champion again, he became the third man to win the World Cup as a player and head coach. The players honored him with their boisterousness, bursting into his postgame news conference and showering him with Champagne before he could answer a single question.
His 2018 team will not be remembered as the most elegant champions, or the most creative. Instead, it will be remembered for what it was: a team of exceptional talent and ruthless efficiency, a group in which every player knew his job and performed it flawlessly.
But all that it achieved — through diligent planning, hard work, relentless discipline and the occasional brilliance of the young striker Kylian Mbappé, the galloping midfielder Paul Pogba and the steadfast defense of N’Golo Kanté, Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti — was remarkable nonetheless.
France was not so much great as fundamentally outstanding: a team of top-class talents willing to sublimate their individual games to a collective mission; a team confident enough to surrender possession against even lesser teams and strike back on the counter; a team capable of scoring superb goals but also willing to accept whatever it was given.
Even on Sunday, as Croatia’s talented midfield of Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic controlled play in the first half, France still came out ahead. Presented with an own goal and a penalty kick — the first goal in a World Cup final attributed to a video-assistant-review decision — France pulled away with the help of Mbappé's unmatched combination of speed and skill after halftime, turning one break into a Pogba goal and a second into Mbappé's third of the tournament.
Not even bad luck of its own, like a blunder that handed Croatia a second goal late in the game and cut the French lead to two goals, came with any real price. France merely regrouped and saw the game out, and then waited, snapping selfies and waving flags, to pick up its golden reward.
“We did not play a huge game but we showed mental quality,” Deschamps said. “And we scored four goals anyway.”
The French scored first, or rather Croatia did — with striker Mario Mandzukic heading a free kick over his own goalkeeper in the 18th minute. Stunned, Croatia found its footing and tied the match 10 minutes later through Perisic, but soon was behind again in a moment both historic and controversial.
The incident came in the 35th minute, when a ball served into the box tipped off a French player and onto the hand of Perisic, who did not seem to see it arriving. The Argentine referee, Néstor Pitana, initially signaled a corner kick. France’s players immediately appealed for a penalty, but Pitana did not budge.
Then the decision was reviewed using the VAR system, which was approved controversially earlier this year for use in the World Cup for the first time, and had performed above expectations in the tournament. Pitana went to the sideline between the benches and, with the VAR’s voice in his ear, scrolled through the play before returning to the field to signal a penalty kick for a handball.
“With respect to VAR,” Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said, “when it goes in your favor, it’s good. When it doesn’t go in your favor, it’s bad.”
Antoine Griezmann stepped up and calmly rolled the ball in, and just like that history was made and the French were back in front, 2-1.
Pogba, controlling his own rebound to score in the 59th minute, and Mbappé, firing around a defender and past Croatia’s screened goalkeeper Daniel Subasic in the 65th, soon made the VAR-assisted goal a footnote. Not even Lloris’ blunder could stop France by then; as it had in most of its games at this World Cup, it sent on a few substitutes and simply strangled the life out of the game to complete its triumph.
When the match ended, when the skies opened up and the rain poured down and the confetti flew and the trophy was finally theirs, the French players let loose. They slid in the soggy grass and danced around the field and took flags on victory laps.
Many of the Croats simply fell to the turf, unable to give any more. A few began to cry. It was, for once this month, not their day.
It was a day for Deschamps. For Pogba. For Mbappé. It was a day for France to celebrate a new generation of heroes, to eagerly await their return for a Parisian celebration, and to hope it will not be 20 more years before they can do it again.
The Trophy Presentation
The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, emerged for the trophy presentation alongside Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin; Croatia’s president, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic; and France’s Emmanuel Macron. Croatia’s Modric won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, and Mbappé was honored as the tournament’s best young player. (England’s Harry Kane won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, drawing boos from a crowd heavy with Croats and neutral Russian fans. His boos, however, were nothing compared with those for Pitana, the referee.)
France’s team made a guard of honor for the Croats during the trophy ceremony, and handshakes were freely exchanged among a group that included at least a dozen current and former teammates. By the time the Croats picked up their medals, a steady rain had turned into a downpour. Only one umbrella emerged above the dignitaries, to shield Putin.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Read more at https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/15/sports/world-cup/france-vs-croatia-final.html#ohLvcL9wxoYIi6SX.99
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday was briefly interrupted when four intruders affiliated to anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot ran onto the pitch before being hauled off by stewards.
The pitch invaders, who were dressed in police-style outfits, were later detained by police, one of them told Reuters by telephone from a police station near Moscow's Luzhniki stadium, venue for the match.
Police said they were investigating the four on suspicion of violating rules for spectating at a sporting event as well as for illegally wearing police uniforms, the Interfax news agency reported.
The former infraction carries a maximum fine of up to 10,000 roubles ($159.92) or 160 hours' community service with a ban on attending sports events of up to three years. Wearing a police uniform illegally carries a fine of 1,000 to 1,500 roubles.
Three of Pussy Riot's original members were jailed in 2012 for staging a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a church and the group has since become a symbol of anti-Kremlin direct action.
In the second half of Sunday's match, the three people wearing white shirts with police-style epaulettes, black trousers and police hats ran out on the pitch from the area behind the French goal. A fourth person tried to run onto the pitch but was tackled on the sidelines.
The three ran about 50 metres, dispersing in different directions, before stewards wearing high-visibility jackets tackled them to the ground and dragged them off the pitch.
One photograph on social media showed one of the pitch invaders, a woman with blonde hair tucked under a police cap, performing a high-five with France player Kylian Mbappe before being caught.
The match, watched from the stands by Putin and the French and Croatian presidents, was halted, but resumed about 25 seconds later. A witness at the stadium said he had seen police escorting the pitch invaders out of the stadium grounds.
Pussy Riot member Olga Kurachyova told Reuters she was one of the pitch invaders and was being held at Luzhniki police station. She said she could not speak further because police were trying to take her mobile phone away from her.
Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, who pushed the male intruder aside on the pitch, told reporters the incident had interrupted the game at an important moment for his team.
"We'd been playing good football and then some interruption came," he said. "I just lost my head and I grabbed the guy and I wished I could throw him away from the stadium."
LIST OF DEMANDS
In its Facebook post, Pussy Riot complained of rights abuses in Russia. It alluded to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker jailed for 20 years in 2015 for setting fire to two offices in Crimea, including one belonging to Russia's ruling party, after Moscow annexed the region from Ukraine.
Pussy Riot said its demands included freeing political prisoners in Russia, freedom of speech on the internet, freedom to protest, and allowing political competition.
The group shared a video on social media recorded before the incident featuring three female activists, at least two of whom were among those detained. They wore police uniforms and one of them wore a pink balaclava.
"The World Cup has shown wonderfully what the police can be like in Russia, but what will happen afterwards?" one of the activists asked in the video, an apparent allusion to lenient policing noted by Russians during the tournament.
A separate video posted on social media appeared to show the moments after the pitch invaders had been detained.
Two of them, a man and a woman, could be seen standing in a room, dressed in dishevelled police uniforms, while a voice off camera demanded handcuffs be brought.
"Do you know that Russia will pay for this to FIFA through sanctions?" the off-camera voice said, in an angry tone. "You wanted to s*** on Russia, didn’t you?"
"We are for Russia," the male detainee replied.
"Sometimes I regret that it's not 1937," the person off- camera in the video said. That year was the height of political repressions carried out by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
(Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber and Polina Ivanova; Additional reporting by Damir Khalmetov, Maria Vasilyeva, Denis Pinchuk, Andrey Ostroukh and Tom Balmforth; Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Ken Ferris, Gareth Jones and Peter Cooney)
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2018/07/16/pitch-invaders-halt-world-cup-final-briefly/#woaudtjPABhkOIPb.99
Luka MODRIC (
Eden HAZARD (
Antoine GRIEZMANN (
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