2018 FIFA World Cup final
The 2018 FIFA World Cup final was the championship match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, an international men's soccer tournament organized by FIFA and held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018.[1] It pitted the national teams of France and Croatia against each other on 15 July 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with France emerging victorious by a score of 4–2 to secure their second World Cup title, the first since 1998.[2] The game, refereed by Argentina's Néstor Pitana, featured France's goals from an own goal by Croatia's Mario Mandžukić in the 18th minute, a penalty by Antoine Griezmann in the 38th minute, Paul Pogba in the 59th minute, and Kylian Mbappé in the 65th minute, while Croatia responded with strikes from Ivan Perišić in the 28th minute and another own goal by Mandžukić in the 69th minute.[2] Mbappé's goal made him the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, following Pelé in 1958.[2] The match highlighted France's clinical finishing and defensive solidity under coach Didier Deschamps, who became the third person to win the World Cup as both player and manager, against Croatia's resilient performance led by Luka Modrić, who had guided the underdogs to the final despite a population of just over four million.[1] Croatia's run included three extra-time victories in the knockout stages, showcasing their endurance, but they conceded two own goals—the first ever in a World Cup final—contributing to the outcome.[3] Attendance reached 78,011 spectators, with an estimated global television audience exceeding one billion.[1] Notable aspects included the debut use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in a World Cup final for the Griezmann penalty, awarded after Perišić's handball, a decision that sparked debate over its interpretation despite aligning with FIFA's handball rules at the time.[4] Earlier, a free kick preceding the opening own goal arose from contact between Griezmann and Perišić, which some Croatian players contested as simulated but was upheld by Pitana without VAR review, reflecting the referee's authority in real-time judgments.[3] These incidents underscored the evolving role of technology in elite soccer while France's superior talent and set-piece execution proved decisive in a tournament marked by host Russia's strong showing and upsets like Croatia's semifinal penalty shootout win over England.[2]
Background
Host Nation and Tournament Context
Russia was selected as the host nation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on December 2, 2010, during the 61st FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, where its bid secured 13 votes in the decisive second round against England's 2, eliminating joint bids from Spain/Portugal and the Netherlands/Belgium.[5] This decision marked the first time the tournament was hosted in Eastern Europe and by Russia, spanning 11 time zones but utilizing only venues in the European part of the country across 11 cities. The selection occurred amid debates over Russia's infrastructure readiness and political environment, yet FIFA prioritized the bid's vision for modernizing facilities and promoting football development.[6] The tournament unfolded from June 14 to July 15, 2018, involving 32 teams in 64 matches, adhering to the format established since 1998 with group stages followed by knockouts.[7] Preparations encompassed renovating or constructing 12 stadiums, including the flagship Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, which hosted the opening match and final, at a total cost exceeding $13 billion USD— the most expensive World Cup in history, funded largely by state investment.[8] Host nation Russia automatically qualified and exceeded expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, providing domestic momentum leading into the final between France and Croatia on July 15 at Luzhniki. Despite pre-event controversies raised by organizations like Human Rights Watch regarding labor conditions, anti-LGBT policies, and potential hooliganism—concerns amplified in Western media coverage— the tournament proceeded with robust security measures involving over 100,000 personnel and recorded minimal incidents of fan violence or racism.[9] [10] Post-event assessments noted that fears of logistical failures were overstated, as attendance averaged over 44,000 per match and global viewership reached billions, affirming Russia's execution of the event under FIFA oversight.[10] This context underscored the final's role as a capstone to a successfully managed mega-event, countering narratives of inherent hosting risks with empirical outcomes of stability and spectacle.Historical Significance of the Finalists
France had established itself as a major force in international football by 2018, having won its first FIFA World Cup title in 1998 as hosts, defeating Brazil 3–0 in the final with two goals from Zinedine Zidane.[11] This triumph, under manager Aimé Jacquet, capped a tournament where France conceded just two goals and symbolized national unity amid social challenges.[12] The team returned to the final in 2006, losing 5–3 on penalties to Italy after a 1–1 draw, with Zidane's headbutt ejection marking a controversial end to his career.[13] Earlier highlights included semi-final finishes in 1958 (losing to Brazil), 1982 (to West Germany), and 1986 (to West Germany again), underscoring a pattern of strong but unfulfilled campaigns until 1998.[14] Croatia, by contrast, reached its inaugural World Cup final in 2018, just 27 years after declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and joining FIFA in 1992.[15] The nation's football team debuted at the World Cup in 1998, achieving third place by defeating the Netherlands 2–1 in the playoff, with Davor Šuker scoring six goals to claim the Golden Boot.[16] Subsequent appearances in 2002, 2006, and 2014 ended in group-stage exits, limiting pre-2018 success despite talents like Luka Modrić emerging. With a population of 4.1 million, Croatia became the smallest country by population to contest a final since Uruguay (population 2.2 million) in 1950, highlighting disproportionate achievement relative to size.[17] The finalists' matchup underscored divergent trajectories: France's pedigree as a two-time continental champion (Euro 1984, 2000) and repeat World Cup contender positioned it as a benchmark for European dominance, while Croatia's run exemplified emergent Balkan resilience, leveraging tactical discipline and individual brilliance to overperform systemic expectations for smaller nations.[18][19] This contrast elevated the final's narrative, pitting historical depth against improbable ascent in a tournament often favoring population and resources.[20]Venue
Stadium Details and Logistics
The Luzhniki Stadium, located in Moscow, Russia, served as the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final on July 15, 2018. Originally constructed in 1956, the stadium underwent extensive renovations from 2013 to 2017 specifically for the tournament, including the removal of the surrounding athletics track to bring spectators closer to the pitch and the reconfiguration of seating areas. These upgrades increased the overall capacity from approximately 78,000 to 81,000 seats, though FIFA stipulated a reduced operational capacity of 78,011 for World Cup matches to enhance safety and sightlines. The renovation cost approximately 400 million USD.[21][22] The final drew an attendance of 78,011 spectators, filling the stadium to its World Cup-configured capacity. Logistics for the event included stringent security protocols, described by Russian authorities as unprecedented, with over 4,000 CCTV cameras deployed across FIFA facilities, including nearby metro stations, to monitor crowds and prevent incidents. Access to the stadium required a valid match ticket and FAN ID, which facilitated entry to pedestrian zones around the complex and integrated with public transportation systems.[23][24][25] Transportation arrangements emphasized efficiency, with free shuttle buses operating from key metro stations such as Kievskaya to the stadium, alongside enhanced public transit capacity to handle the influx of fans. Nearby fan zones, including the large FIFA Fan Fest at Vorobyovy Gory overlooking the stadium, provided additional viewing options and pre-match activities, drawing over 1.6 million visitors during the tournament. Traffic restrictions were implemented on match days to prioritize pedestrian and shuttle access, ensuring smooth logistics for the high-profile event.[26][27][28]Path to the Final
France's Tournament Journey
France began their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Group C, facing Australia, Peru, and Denmark. On 16 June, they defeated Australia 2–1 at the Kazan Arena, with Antoine Griezmann converting a penalty in the 13th minute after an infringement on Griezmann himself, followed by Olivier Giroud's equalizer-leveling goal in the 81st minute before Mile Jedinak's late penalty for Australia; this win highlighted France's clinical finishing despite early defensive lapses.[29] On 21 June, France secured a 1–0 victory over Peru at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg, courtesy of Griezmann's 19th-minute header from a Benjamin Pavard cross, maintaining a clean sheet through disciplined defending led by Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti.[29] The group stage concluded with a 0–0 draw against Denmark on 26 June at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, where both teams prioritized qualification over flair, allowing France to top the group with seven points, six goals scored, and two conceded.[29]| Opponent | Date | Result | Goals Scorers (France) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 16 June | 2–1 | Griezmann (13' pen.), Giroud (81') |
| Peru | 21 June | 1–0 | Griezmann (19') |
| Denmark | 26 June | 0–0 | None |
Croatia's Tournament Journey
Croatia entered the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Group D with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria, finishing first with seven points. On 16 June, they defeated Nigeria 2–0 at the Kaliningrad Stadium, with goals from Andrej Kramarić in the 32nd minute and Luka Modrić from a penalty in the 71st. Four days later, on 21 June in Nizhny Novgorod, Croatia routed Argentina 3–0, thanks to an own goal by Mario Fernández in the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić's strike in the 91st, and Mateo's penalty in stoppage time, a result that eliminated the South American side early. The group concluded on 26 June with a 1–1 draw against Iceland in Rostov-on-Don, where Milan Badelj scored for Croatia in the 4th minute before a late equalizer from Hörður Björgvin Magnússon, securing top spot despite the point. In the round of 16 on 1 July at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Croatia met Denmark in a tense 1–1 draw after extra time, advancing 3–2 on penalties where goalkeeper Danijel Subašić saved three shots, including from Nicolai Jørgensen, Christian Eriksen, and Lasse Schöne. The quarterfinal against host nation Russia on 7 July in Sochi saw Croatia trail 1–0 before Denis Cheryshev equalized, then falling behind again to Mario Fernandes' header; Perišić and Rakitić scored to force extra time at 2–2, with Croatia prevailing 4–3 in the shootout amid Subašić's saves from Alan Dzagoev and Fernandes. The semifinal on 11 July against England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow ended 2–2 after extra time, with Kieran Trippier opening for England via free kick, Perišić equalizing, Harry Maguire heading ahead, and Mario Mandžukić scoring in the 109th minute to level; Croatia then won 4–2 on penalties, with Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier missing for England, propelling the nation to its first World Cup final. This path marked Croatia as the first team to reach a final via three penalty shootout victories, all involving comebacks, highlighting resilience under coach Zlatko Dalić despite a small population of under four million.[37]| Stage | Opponent | Date | Score | Venue | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group D | Nigeria | 16 June | 2–0 | Kaliningrad | Kramarić, Modrić (pen) goals |
| Group D | Argentina | 21 June | 3–0 | Nizhny Novgorod | Own goal, Perišić, Modrić (pen) |
| Group D | Iceland | 26 June | 1–1 | Rostov-on-Don | Badelj; Magnússon equalizer |
| Round of 16 | Denmark | 1 July | 1–1 (3–2 pens) | Nizhny Novgorod | Subašić saves decisive |
| Quarterfinal | Russia | 7 July | 2–2 (4–3 pens) | Sochi | Comeback from 0–2; Perišić, Rakitić |
| Semifinal | England | 11 July | 2–2 (4–2 pens) | Moscow | Mandžukić extra-time equalizer |
Pre-Match Analysis
Team Formations and Key Players
France deployed a 4-3-3 formation in the final, emphasizing defensive solidity with a midfield trio providing balance and transition play, allowing forwards to exploit spaces on counter-attacks.[38] The starting lineup featured Hugo Lloris in goal; a back four of Benjamin Pavard at right-back, Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti as center-backs, and Lucas Hernández at left-back; N'Golo Kanté, Blaise Matuidi, and Paul Pogba in midfield; and Antoine Griezmann as a false nine supported by Olivier Giroud centrally and Kylian Mbappé on the right wing.[39] Key players included Mbappé, who scored once and disrupted Croatia's defense with his pace, earning praise for his direct threat; Griezmann, who converted a penalty and delivered the corner leading to the own goal while dictating play; Pogba, whose long-range goal and progressive passing helped regain control; and Kanté, whose interceptions and energy shielded the defense effectively despite a relatively subdued performance by his standards.[40] [41] Croatia also adopted a 4-3-3 formation, relying on midfield creativity to break down France's compact block while pushing wingers forward for width.[38] Their lineup consisted of Danijel Subašić in goal; defenders Šime Vrsaljko, Domagoj Vida, Joško Gvardiol—no, wait: Šime Vrsaljko at right-back, Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida as center-backs, Ivan Strinić at left-back; midfielders Ivan Rakitić, Luka Modrić, and Marcelo Brozović; with Mario Mandžukić up top flanked by Ivan Perišić on the left and Ante Rebić on the right.[39] Standout performers were Modrić, the captain and orchestrator who controlled tempo and launched attacks despite the loss; Perišić, who equalized with a volley and created chances but was penalized for handball leading to France's second goal; and Mandžukić, who scored a consolation goal late but unfortunately deflected in an own goal early. Rakitić provided defensive cover in midfield but was less influential than in prior matches.[40] [41]| Position | France Key Players | Croatia Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Hugo Lloris (experienced leader, though prone to errors) | Danijel Subašić (heroic saves in penalties earlier, solid here) |
| Defense | Varane & Umtiti (aerial dominance, clean sheet bar goals conceded) | Lovren & Vida (resilient but exposed on counters) |
| Midfield | Kanté (tackles, recoveries), Pogba (goal, vision) | Modrić (playmaking hub), Rakitić (balance) |
| Attack | Mbappé (speed, goal), Griezmann (set-pieces, penalty) | Perišić (goal, dynamism), Mandžukić (hold-up, late strike) |
Expert Predictions and Betting Odds
Bookmakers installed France as clear favorites for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, reflecting their deeper squad, defensive solidity, and fresher legs compared to Croatia's fatiguing path involving three extra-time matches. Odds for an outright French victory ranged from -200 to -255 across major sportsbooks, while Croatia was listed as +185 to +225 underdogs; a draw in regulation time was priced around +230 to +250.[42][43][44] Prop bets favored under 2.5 total goals at -119, given France's tournament-leading defensive record of conceding just one goal prior to the final.[45] Expert analyses predominantly backed France to prevail, emphasizing their tactical discipline under Didier Deschamps against Croatia's reliance on midfield creativity from Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić, who faced physical exhaustion. BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson forecasted a 2-1 French win after extra time, praising Modrić as the tournament's standout but noting France's overall quality edge.[46] Bleacher Report writers predicted goals from Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud in a comfortable France victory, highlighting Croatia's historical struggles against top defenses.[47] Action Network staff picks included France -0.5 at -112 and under 2 goals, citing Croatia's extra-time toll and France's counterattacking efficiency.[45] A minority viewed Croatia's resilience as a potential upset factor, but consensus odds and previews underscored France's 65-70% implied win probability from betting markets.[48]Match Summary
First Half Events
The match began with Croatia asserting early dominance, enjoying superior possession and creating chances in France's defensive third during the opening minutes.[1][49] In the 18th minute, France took the lead when Antoine Griezmann's free kick from 25 yards deflected off Mario Mandžukić's head into his own net, resulting in an own goal and a 1-0 scoreline.[1][49] Croatia responded aggressively, equalizing in the 28th minute through Ivan Perišić, who fired a low diagonal left-footed shot past Hugo Lloris after receiving a pass from Ivan Rakitić inside the penalty area, leveling the score at 1-1.[1][49] Perišić had earlier seen a goal disallowed for handball, but this strike stood, highlighting Croatia's resilience despite the setback.[1] Tension escalated in the 35th minute when, during a French corner kick, Perišić's arm inadvertently blocked a shot from Blaise Matuidi; after a three-minute Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Néstor Pítana awarded France a penalty for handball, deeming Perišić's arm position unnatural under FIFA rules.[1][49] Griezmann converted the spot kick in the 38th minute, sending Danijel Subašić the wrong way to restore France's lead at 2-1, marking the first VAR intervention in a World Cup final.[1][49] France held this advantage into halftime, having scored twice from set pieces amid Croatia's higher shot volume but lower conversion efficiency.[1][49]Second Half Events
The second half commenced with Croatia pressing forward in an attempt to level the score at 2–1, but play was disrupted shortly after the 46th-minute restart when four activists, later identified as members of the protest group Pussy Riot dressed in police uniforms, invaded the pitch to demonstrate against the Russian government, demanding political prisoner releases and fair elections; they were swiftly removed by security, causing a brief delay of approximately one minute.[50][1] France substituted Olivier Giroud with Nabil Fekir in the 55th minute to inject fresh energy into their attack.[38] In the 59th minute, Paul Pogba extended France's lead to 3–1, capitalizing on a dynamic run by Kylian Mbappé down the left flank; Pogba collected the loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and curled a right-footed shot into the bottom corner past Danijel Subašić for his first goal of the tournament.[1][51] Six minutes later, in the 65th minute, Mbappé doubled his impact by scoring France's fourth goal, receiving a pass from Lucas Hernández inside the box, turning past a defender, and rifling a low right-footed shot from 20 yards into the net, making him the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958.[1][51] Croatia responded aggressively, and in the 69th minute, Mario Mandžukić pulled one back to 4–2, exploiting a rare error by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who lost control while dribbling out of his area under pressure from Mandžukić, allowing the Croatian forward to flick the ball into the unguarded goal.[1][2] France then adopted a defensive posture, substituting Pogba with Steven Nzonzi in the 74th minute to bolster midfield control, while Croatia introduced Andrej Kramarić for Milan Badelj around the 85th minute and Marko Pjaca for Ivan Strinić in the 82nd to chase an unlikely comeback.[38] Croatia generated late pressure, including shots from Ivan Rakitić that sailed wide, but France's organized defense repelled the assaults. Five minutes of stoppage time were added, during which Šime Vrsaljko received a yellow card for fouling Griezmann, but no further goals materialized, securing France's victory.[3][1]Goal Scorers and Key Moments
France took the lead in the 18th minute through an own goal by Croatia's Mario Mandžukić, who inadvertently deflected Antoine Griezmann's free kick into his own net.[3] Croatia equalized in the 28th minute when Ivan Perišić volleyed a powerful low shot past Hugo Lloris following a corner kick.[3] Three minutes before halftime, in the 38th minute, France regained the lead via a penalty converted by Griezmann after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention for Perišić's handball on a Griezmann shot, a decision that sparked debate over the deliberate nature of the contact.[3] In the second half, Paul Pogba extended France's advantage to 3-1 in the 59th minute with a low driven shot into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Mbappé and evading challenges.[3] Six minutes later, at the 65th minute, 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé scored France's fourth, striking a low shot from 20 yards into the far corner, becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958.[3] Croatia responded quickly in the 69th minute as Mandžukić capitalized on a rare error by Lloris, who misjudged a through ball, allowing the Croatian forward to lob the goalkeeper and reduce the deficit to 4-2.[3] Key moments included the controversial VAR-awarded penalty, which Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić later questioned for its impact on momentum, though officials deemed the arm movement unnatural.[3] Additionally, shortly after halftime, four pitch invaders protesting as Pussy Riot disrupted play briefly, highlighting security lapses at Luzhniki Stadium.[3] Mbappé's goal underscored France's counterattacking prowess, with his speed and finishing proving decisive in sealing the second World Cup title.[3]| Minute | Scorer | Team | Assist/Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18' | Mario Mandžukić (o.g.) | France | Deflection from Griezmann free kick |
| 28' | Ivan Perišić | Croatia | Volley from corner |
| 38' | Antoine Griezmann (pen) | France | VAR handball penalty |
| 59' | Paul Pogba | France | Low shot after Mbappé pass |
| 65' | Kylian Mbappé | France | Long-range low drive |
| 69' | Mario Mandžukić | Croatia | Lloris error, lobbed finish |
Statistical Overview
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, Croatia held a significant advantage in possession at 66%, while France managed only 34%, reflecting Croatia's efforts to break down France's defensive setup.[52] Despite this dominance, France proved more efficient in attack, converting opportunities into a 4–2 victory, with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.4 compared to Croatia's 1.1.[52] Croatia generated more scoring chances overall, registering 14 shots to France's 7, but France directed 5 shots on target against Croatia's 3, underscoring their clinical finishing.[52] Key match statistics are summarized below:| Statistic | France | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 34% | 66% |
| Total shots | 7 | 14 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 3 |
| Passes completed | 215/301 (71%) | 467/572 (82%) |
| Corners | 2 | 6 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 13 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 1 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |