SOC: France wins second World Cup championship over Croatia

France has defeated Croatia, 4-2, in the 2018 FIFA Wold Cup final. This is France's second title after taking it in 1998 against Brazil. France has now been to the championship match in three of the last six tournaments, as they lost in a penalty shootout to Italy in 2006. France only trails Brazil (5), Germany (4), and Italy (4), while has the same amount as Argentina and Uruguay. Didier Deschamps, the manager of the French national team, is now just the third person in history to win the World Cup as a player and manager. France was able to score early and often against Croatia in the title match, getting on the board in the 18th minute off of a set piece that was taken by Antoine Griezmann and headed in by Mario Mandžukić of Croatia.

After Ivan Perišić found an equalizer within 10 minutes, Griezmann answered back in the 38th minute with his third successful penalty of the tournament. France went into the break with a 2-1 advantage, but they weren't close to being content. Paul Pogba (59th minute) and Kylian Mbappe (65th minute) soon after one another, and essentially put the game away for the Frenchmen. It was another impressive performance for France. They were able to defeat Australia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Belgium, and Croatia en route to the coveted title. Mbappe, at just 19-years-old, tied for the team high four goals. Griezmann also had four goals and two assists. Croatia finishes 6-0-1, but what an great run it was. It was their best finish in a World Cup ever.

Photo Credit: Sporting News.