KUWAIT, July 15 (KUNA) -- France won the World Cup for the second time in the country's history, beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling final held at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
Croatia began the clash pressing the ball and trying to create chances to score, until 18 minute.
Antione Griezmann, named Man of the Match, floated in a free-kick from the right side but Mario Mandzukic was in an unfortunate position to flick a header into top corner of his own team's net.
Croatia kept their rhythm and succeeded in levelling the score in 28 minute, when Ivan Perisic took control of the ball inside the area, changed position and fired a lefty that landed in the far corner of Hugo Lloris.
France were awarded a penalty after the referee reviewed the VAR in the 36 minute. Griezmann was the man and he converted the ball to give France a 2-1 lead.
The second half was a French one. Paul Pogba extended the lead to 3-1 in 59 minute. The Manchester United midfielder swept a left-footer into the net of Danijel Subasic.
Then came Kylian Mbappe who found a space outside Croatia's area and bounced a finish past Subasic in 65 minute.
Croatia managed to reduce the deficit in 69 minute, when Mandzukic scored the second goal.
France coach Didier Deschamps became the third man, after Brazil's Mario Zagallo and German Franz Beckenbauer - to win the World Cup as both a player and manager.
Mbappe was named FIFA Young Player Award, while Croatia's Luka Modric won the Golden Ball Award. Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove Award and England's Harry Kane won the Golden Boot. (pickup previous) bs