The FIFA World Cup 2018 was a day football fans may soon never forget – and there’s a reason for it. This is when France won their second World Cup, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final during the 21st World Cup – all happened at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. Electric doesn’t even comprise of what the whole game showed that day, especially when VAR took center stage in its early techs that’s changed World Cup since.

The game left memories in the history of football forever as proudly brought to fans by 12BET Sports. There were beautiful goals, miscues and several firsts as World Cup 2018 was something to keep in the memory.

World Cup 2018 Final: Match Timeline and Highlights

In separate moments later, you can learn about the awardees of the World Cup 2018. But for now, enjoy this minute-by-minute breakdown of how the most shocking final in football history surpassed everyone.

At 12BET India, players had geared up with their favored odds to enjoy the final with some wins of their own.

Early Tension and Croatian Pressure

Croatia was determined since the very first kickoff. Modric, Rakitic and Perisic dominated the midfield and kept France on the defensive. Actually, Croatia had the majority of the early territory, received corners and was being awarded the initial few free-kicks.

France Strikes First—An Unusual Start

France scored the first blood when Croatia had a lead in the initial phases of the game. Antoine Griezmann gave France 1-0 score advantage with his free-kick, assisted by Mario Mandzukic. The own goals theme in the World Cup 2018 shocks everyone and seems to be the crucial point maker for both France and Croatia moving forward in the game.

Croatia’s Fightback and VAR Drama

Croatia refused to retreat. Ivan Perisic was levelled in the 28th minute with a fantastic shot. But VAR stepped in a few minutes later. Perisic made a handball after which France was given a penalty after VAR. Griezmann coolly put it away to take the lead back to 2-1.

The Second Half Belonged to France

With the teams back after the break, it was evident that France had redrawn. Now their game was more apparent, jam on the take, take advantage of Croatian tiredness and play youth wild.

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Pogba and Mbappe Seal the Deal

Paul Pogba scored a left-footed powerful shot that made it 3-0, in the 59 th minute. A few minutes later, 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe netted the second-youngest ever scored in the World Cup final outside the box. Fans in France were all excited when 12BET Sports gave out live updates on various platforms.

Lloris Blunder and Mandzukic’s Consolation

As the match appeared nearing completion, one piece of madness enabled Croatia to have short lived hopes. Hugo Lloris, who had made no mistake in his previous four attempts at 2018 FIFA World Cup, produced an unusual fumble in his efforts to keep Mandzukic at bay by attempting to dribble past the Croatian striker, who stole the ball and found the gap in the empty goal. Nevertheless, France squeezed it out at 4-2.

World Cup 2018: Final Stats and Performances

It was the tactical discipline of France with a few moments of individual brilliance that made a difference. The major statistics flowed like this.

• Goals: France 4 – 2 Croatia
• Possession: Croatia 61% – 39% France
• Shots: Croatia 14 – 8 France
• Fouls: Croatia 13 – 10 France

Though Croatia held the field and possession, as well as the shots, France was efficient at the front net, therefore taking the victory.

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Awards and Honors from World Cup 2018

The World Cup 2018 was reportedly full of outstanding performances. These were the best players and moments by FIFA:

Player Awards

• Golden Ball (Best Player): Luka Modric (Croatia)
• Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Harry Kane (England, 6 goals)
• Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
• Young Player Award: Kylian Mbappe (France)

Additional Recognitions

• Silver Ball: Eden Hazard (Belgium)
• Bronze Ball: Antoine Griezmann (France)
• Silver Boot: Griezmann
• Bronze Boot: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
• FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Spain
• Goal of the Tournament: Benjamin Pavard (France)

The 12BET Sports covered every one of these victories live on its platform – keeping fans informed across India and overseas.

Build-Up and Pre-Match Buzz at World Cup 2018

It was not a mere football game but a world party. Hours prior to the start of the game, fans all around the world and particularly those of France and Croatia thronged the Moscow streets.

Star Performers and National Anthems

Will Smith, Nicky Jam, and Era Istrefi were there for pre-match ceremonies, lighting up Luzhniki Stadium. For these artists, it is their first ever World Cup final performance.

History Beckons

France aimed to win their second World Cup title after their last win many years ago, 1998. Coach Didier Deschamps headed the French national football team – and here’s another thing for him. He is the third person ever to win the World Cup in his life for being both a manager and player.

In the meantime, Croatia is an underdog story. It was the first final they have ever played after becoming a separate country, and the world was cheering with what Modric’s squad had demonstrated during this tournament.

A Final to Remember: Reliving the Legacy

The final match of the World Cup 2018 between France and Croatia was anything but a football game–it was a masculine opera of skill, heart, and story. It also crowned the golden generation of French football, and put young superstars such as Kylian Mbappe on the world map. It was a tribute to veterans such as Luka Modric who had borne their team on their shoulders against all the odds.

To the fans, punters, and football enthusiasts, 12BET Sports has given unrivalled coverage, insights, and odds during the tournament. You might have watched every kick or just managed to watch the final, but 12BET made sure that you did not miss the magic of Russia 2018.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 (hosted by US, Canada, and Mexico) is lined up next, 12BET Sports remains your reliable partner in every single one of the major footballing events.

SEE ALSO: 2026 World Cup Stadiums: Deep Dive on Next World Cup Location

Conclusion: Why World Cup 2018 Was a Classic Worth Celebrating

World Cup 2018 was made complete with all goals, controversy, new discovery of stars, and their unforgettable moments. The 4-2 score by France against Croatia brought a conclusion to a one-month long football fest that excited fans worldwide. Whether it was faulty VAR operation or goalkeeping errors, masterful penalty conversions by Griezmann and the historic strike by Mbappe, each of these instances would be forever in the memory.

With 12BET Sports, sports fans had the opportunity to receive a front row digital seat on all the action. 12BET is where the game legacy is kept regardless of whether you watch past or future games of football.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Messi play in the 2018 World Cup?

Messi retired from international matches after his 2016 Copa America campaign. No10 was in shambles when Argentina was pushed out of the round of 16 by the then eventual winners in 2018 World Cup – France.

Was Ronaldo in the 2018 World Cup?

His free kick goal in the first event was soon followed by his debut goal with his head at the tournament next time. He scored the winning goal in a low diving header in the final minutes of the last minute after Joao Moutinho corner kick, making it the winner to deny Morocco that game. Re-live all goals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Which countries are in the World Cup final 2018?

It was France and Croatia who made it to the final of the World Cup 2018. France won 4-2 against Croatia.