France have won their second World Cup, beating Croatia by two goals in a highly entertaining affair.
The French were provided some luck early in the first half when the VAR was brought into play to award them a penalty after a handball in the box.
It came after goals each way, but from there, it was all France during the early going of the second half.
Les Blues would put on another two goals in quick time, making it three-one and then four-one, with only a Croatian consolation goal giving them a little bit of hope late in the contest.
Final score
France 4
Croatia 2
The final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is here! France will go in as heavy favourites when they take on tournament surprise packet Croatia in Moscow. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1am (AEST).
France, who won their only previous World Cup in 1998, were always one of the favourites to make the finals and after a difficult run through the knockout stage, they will be primed for a second.
It’s hard to say the French have looked like world beaters at times during this World Cup though. They started things off pretty poorly despite finishing top of their group against Australia, Denmark and Peru.
The round of 16 match saw them go past a struggling Argentina 4-3. It wasn’t a bad performance by France on the attacking end, but there were serious concerns raised around their defence. They haven’t let a goal in over their last two wins against Uruguay and Belgium though, so they’d like to think the defensive issues have been corrected.
If they do flare up though, Croatia will be ready to take full toll, given their attacking weapons across the pitch.
The Croatians haven’t lost a game across the entire tournament, beating Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria during the group stage before getting the better of Denmark and Russia both on penalties.
Those two games in the round of 16 and quarter-finals respectively may concern the Croatians a little bit, but their ability to score after being scored on has been impressive, yet not unsurprising with Luke Modric cutting things open out of the attacking midfield.
If he finds enough space, he could shred the French defence and put plenty of pressure on Hugo Loris in front of the French goal across the course of the match.
Croatia were much better in their semi-final when they beat England 2-1, causing another upset to move to what will be the biggest match in the nation’s history.
For France, it’s Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann who appear to hold the keys to success and getting goals on the board against Croatia who have only let in five goals across their six games.
Prediction
France are undoubtedly favourites here. Croatia, as they have done to all of their opponents, will make them work for it, but the French should have enough to get over the line.
France 2 – Croatia 1.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final from 1am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Joseph Vlasic
Guest
Sorry to spoil the party guys, but the free kick awarded to Griezmann was wrong, which resulted in a goal, the referee was adamant his decision was correct, finger pointing and all, he should have watch the replay, in slow mo, as I have because Griezmann fell on his own accord, anybody can tell you it was no free kick. So the referee destroyed Croatias chances single handedly. In anybodys eyes the game ended at that piont, because he changed the course of the game. All there is left to say now is the cup should go to the Referee.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cheers Stevo.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this morning here on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final as France got the better of Croatia by four goals to two. Hopefully you have enjoyed not only today's call, but every match here on The Roar over the course of the World Cup. On behalf of all the bloggers and team at The Roar, thanks for tuning in. It's been a blast. Bye for now.
Kurt
Guest
Just ignore Anon, it's the best approach. It won't shut him up but at least you don't waste your time responding to his constant stream of fake news.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME France have won their second World Cup, beating Croatia by two goals in a highly entertaining affair. The French were provided some luck early in the first half when the VAR was brought into play to award them a penalty after a handball in the box. It came after goals each way, but from there, it was all France during the early going of the second half. Les Blues would put on another two goals in quick time, making it three-one and then four-one, with only a Croatian consolation goal giving them a little bit of hope late in the contest. France 4 Croatia 2
anon
Roar Pro
Could SBS talk about the winner? All they want to do is talk about is Croatia.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Thanks Scott and to all Roar bloggers. A thoroughly enjoyable WC2018. Well done France and commiserations to a gallant Croatia.
Kurt
Guest
Overall a very funny sort of game. Croatia looked better for the first 60 minutes then all of a sudden were 4-1 down. France took their chances though so I guess that's football.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, the game was done and dusted really when France went up 3-1. The fourth was for fun. Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME France are World Cup Champoins! Time keeps ticking up, the goalkick from Lloris goes to halfway and they are the champions! France have won the World Cup in a dominant victory over Croatia by four goals to two. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 4' - The cross was a good one from Stuart, but after some push, some shove, some argy and some barty Croatia get back into the match before a ball goes behind for a goalkick. France 4 Croatia 2
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Griezmann going down. LOLz what an actor.
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 2' - France would love to make it five goals on the board here. They work it down the left-hand side and Griezmann is taken out very unprofessionally. Vrsaljiko the offender this time. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 1' - Five added minutes It's great to see the Croatian fans still in full voice here. France with another free kick though to start off the injury time period as sub Tolisso gets on it. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
90' - Free kick France in centre field. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
88' - France are going to be the champions. Another shot for Croatia goes flying over the crossbar. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
86' - Into the final five minues of injury time now. France are going to keep searching for another here as Griezmann brings it forward and Fekir who is fouled. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
85' - Croatia again on the attack. They have spent so much of this game on the attack, but come the end are going to have absolutely nothing to show for it. France 4 Croatia 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
84' - Rakitic with a free kick, but it spiralled into the hands of the hands of Lloris who saves the day one more time and continues to take time off the clock.
Scott Pryde
Expert
83' - Free kick for Croatia here. They must score soon. France 4 Croatia 2