A huge tournament comprised of 32 top-class teams came down to the 2 best of all:
France vs Croatia (Luzhniki Stadium ,15th July 2018)
One of the two had to let it go
First, some highlights of the both teams..
France Team Highlights:
- France joined in with the most expensive squad in the FIFA world cup 2018.
- The total makes it to 1.24bn pounds, with Mbappe getting 165mn pounds.
- It was 3rd time for France to reach the world cup finals.
- Total goals done = 10, total goals against = 4
Croatia Team Highlights:
- Croatia squad came with a total investment of 366mn pounds.
- The 1st world cup final entry for Croatia.
- "Perisic" having similar stats as of "Griezmann".
- Total goals done = 12, total goals against = 5
Just a day ago "France" celebrated "Bastille Day" Croatia fans brought the biggest flag to the ground
With crazy loving fans from both sides, choking crowd, great ambitions and heat of the final, the match took off with its zeal & zest and both teams struggling to change the number on their side of the score panel. But, hard luck with turn of events came for Croatia in 18th minute, when a corner cross by Griezmann got intercepted by Croatia's own player 'Mandzukic', dodging the goal keeper, finding the net... (France 1-0 Croatia)
Pressure was supposed to be piling up for Croatia, but salute to the great patience and persistence of the players. They didn't take it to heart & in a series of skillful and expert headers, the ball made its way to "Perisic", who slightly took his space & shot the ball with full accuracy-speed-flow. Time for Croatians fans... (France 1-1 Croatia)
That was a fit response, even though to their own goal. Nonetheless, till that 28th minute, both goals had been delivered by Croatia technically. France was kind of minding the level, pushing hard, making the ball touch the Croatian defender's hand. Claimed for a foul, referee hesitated but, went to check through VAR. France was in luck..
Who else than Griezmann could have been behind the ball for a penalty at crucial moments of the game.. Perfectly landing it in the net.. (France 2-1 Croatia)
It felt like half-time came after decades. Since, 1974 this was the first cup final with as many as 3 goals before half time. France was leading & it was a happy break for the fans except for Croatia's side. The clash went along with both team getting good chances to take a star for their team. This time Pogba getting a hold on it with a rebound from his own shot.. Not missing it this time... (France 3-1 Croatia)
It looked like a replay, when just after a couple of minutes Mbappe brought a clear imbalance to the game with his great shot... (France 4-1 Croatia)
For one moment, it felt like Croatia would just back down and re-focus on their defense. But, of course it was too late for that. It was either "Do or Die" now. So, Croatia took the grip on the ball. Mandzukic found a good chance to level-up his own goal as well and giving Croatia a hope, single handed locked it in... (France 4-2 Croatia)
Wow, are you serious? Is it FIFA 2018 game for Playstation or a real world cup final, which generations to come would remember.
Croatia couldn't win the FIFA 2018 world cup. But, they surely won the heart of millions of soccer lovers. Such a marvelous game show with a high team spirit. Better luck next time guys. And..
