France’s World Cup win was built on efficiency and the brilliance of football’s next superstar

THIS was the best game Croatia played all World Cup and for much of their showdown with France the massive underdogs played the champions off the park. But these four things decided the final.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his Best Young Player Award. Pic: AP

FOUR things decided the 2018 World Cup final – French efficiency, one percenters, luck and Kylian Mbappe.

France’s extra days’ break was crucial at this late stage and while Croatia’s players showed once again they don’t give in, too many players appeared cooked in the second half.

Even so, without Mbappe it would have been a different result as Croatia was overall better and two goals usually wins you a World Cup.

Conceding four was a combination of poor set piece defending, bad luck and Mbappe.

The ball goes in off Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic's head for the opening goal. Picture: AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrates. Picture: AFP

Croatia's forward Ivan Perisic levels it up. Picture: AFP

Croatia thwarted time, space and supply for Mbappe in the first half (yet still led at the break) by winning the midfield, but his early run early on the second, where he underlined his frightening speed, was ominous.

As space then opened, Mbappe cut loose to send Croatia’s defence scrambling to block a shot, before he cleverly cut back for Paul Pogba to score on the second attempt.

Mbappe then drifted inside, and unleashed a vicious shot from long-range to underline the most impressive repertoire of world soccer’s emerging stars.

Game over.

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As per France’s modus operandi in Russia, this was a professional and efficient France performance – two goals from one shot on target.

“How marvellous! It’s a young team, who are on the top of the world.

Some are champions at the age of 19,’’ said France coach Didier Deschamps, who became just the third person to win a World Cup as player and coach.

“We did not play a huge game but we showed mental quality.

“And we scored four goals anyway.

“They deserved to win.”

“The group worked so hard and we had some tough moments along the way.

“It hurt so much to lose the Euro two years ago, but it made us learn too.”

Les Bleus did their homework on Croatia and set about exploiting their deficiencies at defensive set pieces.

Antoine Griezmann rose from the floor with a sense of purpose after sucking the referee into awarding a soft penalty just outside the penalty area, collapsing to the ground before Marcelo Brozovic made contact.

Knowing this presented a glorious opportunity, Griezmann executed superbly a low, flat free-kick that glanced Mario Mandzukic’s head en route to the back of the net – the first own goal in the history of a World Cup final.

The ball hits Croatia's Ivan Perisic’s hand just before halftime. Picture: AP

France reacts and appeal to the ref. Picture: AFP

France's Antoine Griezmann sends the keeper the wrong way, putting France up 2-1. Picture AFP

Ditto 10 minutes later, when Griezmann whipped in a sublime corner that got the faintest of touches before striking the hand of Perisic, who didn’t know much about it.

Nor did the ref until getting the call from the VAR.

Harsh call considering it wasn’t deliberate nor was his hand in an unnatural position.

There was no stage fright for Croatia, who played as if at home in the grand Luzhniki Stadium with over 1 billion watching, but the second half was going to be a challenge even before Mbappe seized control.

Deschamps’ withdrawal of Kante was also decisive, with Croatia’s dominance for the first hour leaving the Chelsea terrier vulnerable even without his early booking.

Croatia were superb throughout this tournament and left with their heads held high, with Luka Modric capping off another display of class with the golden ball award.

Kylian Mbappe slots home France’s third. Picture: AFP

Before midfielder Paul Pogba puts the icing on the cake. Picture: AFP

France holds the World Cup aloft. Picture: AFP

“On our bus there is a slogan ‘small country with big dreams’.

That’s a good message to all – if you work hard, and we have good players, you can produce a result,’’ Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said.

“You have to believe it’s possible.

“You have to have dreams and ambitions, you should follow them.

“And never give up in life. Never stop believing.

“I’m proud of my players and country.’’

France got everything spot on this tournament and timed their run to perfection, reaching one almighty crescendo in Moscow today to join Argentina and Uruguay on two World Cup victories.

Without Mbappe, whose moments of explosive brilliance decided several games including the Argentina Round of 16 clash, Les Bleus would have been knocked out already for he elevates this team with the x-factor injection.

The scary thing is, he’s just 19 and will only improve, meaning he has the potential to be deciding 2022, 2026 and even 2030.

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Originally published as France’s World Cup win was built on efficiency and the brilliance of football’s next superstar