French Revolution in Russia

A month of full of surprises and excitement finally came to an end with France lifting the Football World Cup trophy defeating Croatia by 4-2 goals. During the tournament, France did overcome its imperfections and mistakes and finally succeeded in lifting the trophy for the second time.

It was a memorable moment for the French Coach Didier Deschamps too, not only because his team has won the World Cup title but also because after Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, he became the one to win the World Cup, both as a player and coach. It was Deschamps who captained France to the 1998 title.

Coach Didier Deschamps said, “My greatest source of pride is they had the right state of mind. On Sunday there were imperfections, we did not do everything right but we had those mental and psychological qualities which were decisive for this World Cup. We are the deserving winners”.

Mario Mandzukic of France scored the first goal, but Croatian defense was powerful and France had to struggle, which also include a 28th-minute equalizer, before taking the lead with a penalty. The team struck midway twice through the second half to establish themselves beyond the Croatian team. It was a tight fight no doubt and Croatia played very well.

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric said, “We have no regrets because we were the better team for much of the game. Unfortunately, some clumsy goals swung it their way. They will be celebrating, but we can hold our heads high.” He was also awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player. “When it goes in your favor, it’s good. When it doesn’t go in your favor, it’s bad”, said the Croatian Manager Zlatko Dalic.

All the 14 players that played for France were the World Cup newcomers but were ready to work and achieve a common goal. French Coach Deschamps also said, “Talent is not sufficient. You need the psychological and mental aspects. Any team is then able to climb mountains. Sometimes I can be hard very hard with them but I do it for them and even though they are young they usually do listen”. Among the newcomers is Kylian Mbappe who is voted the best young player of the whole tournament, who also scored the fourth goal for France.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, attained the trophy presentation along with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Croatia’s President, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and French President Emmanuel Macron. Croatia’s Luka Modric won the Golden Ball trophy as the tournament’s best player and Kylian Mbappé was honored with the tournament’s best young player. England’s Harry Kane won the Golden Boot as the top scorer of the tournament.

A heavy downpour of rain followed the end of the ceremony and only one umbrella surfaced above all crowds in the ground and it was to protect President Putin.