I made a prediction a couple weeks ago. Check the last line of this post. That put's me on a 100% winning streak that I'm quite proud of. Though the final, concluded only a few hours ago, proved much tighter than I had initially expected. We now know who the winners are. France are a top class team with, from my point of view, the best player in the world today. Kylian Mbappe. The talent that oozes from this young megastar on the pitch, is almost miraculous. Only a mere nineteen years of age and running rings around veterans names from the game, his career path is shaping up to be a glorious one. I believe the torch is being passed on from the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. He is certainly one to watch in the future. But what of the game itself?
Well, this is where things get a little more interesting. You see, I would have said that the better team today was Croatia. More aggressive pushes forward with some absolutely beautiful passing shots. Their footballing prowess is undeniable and if they keep to this standard of play, I have no doubt it's only a matter of time before the Croatian team will be crowned world champions. Emotion has so much to do with the outcome of a match and two iffy calls by the referee gave France their chance to score the duo, leaving Croatia a little more than agitated. I mean, the first half was all Croatia. "Domination" was the only way to call it. France were on the ropes for much of that half and it just so happened that fate swayed in their favour to put them ahead. It was not until the second half that France managed to find their footing somewhat and up the tempo and general state of play. However, Croatia did exactly the same which culminated into a thrilling conclusion to the final.
Also worth mentioning (apart from disruptive several pitch invaders which is actually a World Cup final first) was the goal scored by Mario Mandzukic after a botched move by French keeper Hugo Lloris. But alas, by that point, it was of little consolation to the presumed final result. So did the right team win in the end? Honestly speaking? I feel it could have gone either way. It just so happened that luck (as well as their undoubted skills) helped them to the trophy. So, that's two World Cups under the belt for France. Well done, boys.
And just to think. Their last win was is way back in 1998 when Kylian Mbappe wasn't even born yet. So now begins a long four year wait until Qatar 2022. Patience is certainly gonna be a virtue... :)
