Raphael Varane wins 2018 World Cup with France
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has won the 2018 World Cup at just 25 years-old after defeating Croatia in the Final.
It’s been a long time coming for the French national team as they have won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. For the second time in the history of the competition, Les Bleus has claimed victory. While France were favorites from the beginning of the tournament while Croatia were underdogs.
CHAMPIONS DU MONNNNNNNNNNNDE ⭐⭐#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/ouMN5PkMJl
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 15, 2018
Great Performances from several players on both teams made for an incredible game. France would eventually run away with the game, winning on a 4-2 scoreline. Croatia was unable to keep up as France’s attack hounded the defense.
Croatia held a vast amount of the possession with a 66% of the ball with them. Along with that, they dominated in nearly every facet of the game, shots, tackles, set pieces. France’s tactic of hunkering down and breaking on the counter was deadly against Croatia.
An own goal from Mario Mandzukic had Croatia out the gates on the wrong foot. 10 minutes later though Ivan Perisic scored a wonderful goal at the top of the box to level the scoreline. Less than five minutes before the half brought about the most contentious moments of the match.
Perisic looked to have a used his hand while defending a France corner kick. While the referee did not see it the French players certainly did. With several complaints being made the referee was directed to use the VAR system. Pointing to the spot, Griezman stepped up and put his team ahead.
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The second half of the match started off slowly but turned on its head very quickly. Within six minutes of play, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe put their team ahead 4-2. Croatia was shocked and looked flustered needing two goals just to take it to extra time.
Quick movement and pressing from Mario Mandzukic on Hugo Lloris scored the second goal for the Croats. With a glimmer of hope in the air, the Croatians pushed hard and strong but to no avail. With two substitutions made by the Croatians, it still was not enough to beat the French. The scoreline would finally hold with France winning their second ever World Cup title.
Raphael Varane, Luka Modric, and Mateo Kovacic will have some time off before heading back to Madrid. The preseason will kick off in the next few weeks as Real Madrid takes part in the International Champions Cup.