The Greatest Dance In The World Comes To A Close
Croatia V France
The FIFA World Cup is truly a magical event. It spans over an entire month during the summer, fills fans with awe, sadness, and joy. Footy fans around the world take time off work (or watch at their desk) to catch their favorite teams and players dance in the beautiful game.
The 2018 World Cup came to a close this Sunday (15th) in Moscow. France, the youthful team filled with stars like Kylian Mbappé, faced Croatia, a team stacked with talent in the attack.
Of course, before this game you could have watched the third place match between England and Belgium. Although, few people actually care about this game, and many don’t think it should be played at all. But that’s another debate for another post.
France was one of the favorites coming into this tournament. They had just missed out on a European Trophy in 2016, having lost to Portugal 1–0 in the final.
Les Bleus is filled with big name players, from the attack with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé, to the goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris. By far the one player that has most of the world, and especially Fox Sports excited is Kylian Mbappé. Mostly due to his age, 19, Mbappé has become the shining star of France. He has sparks of Messi like control, while he runs at speeds that few center, if any, backs can match.
On the other side of the field is perhaps the most dominant midfield pairing in national team soccer, Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić. Often shadowed by the fame of Modrić, Rakitić is a powerhouse of his own. The Barcelona midfielder plays both sides of the ball, making hard challenges defensively and driving at the opposing teams back line with pace. Of course, his dominance is elevated because of his center midfield partner. Modrić, a Real Madrid playmaker, often looks like he is gliding with the ball at his feet. His control is unmatched, and his vision is well beyond average.
The game was pitched Mbappe V Modrić. The rising young talent, against the midfield maestro. Croatia’s attacking play against France’s defensive mentality.
The game had it all. Goals, drama, VAR, diving, joy, and pain. Particularly pain, mostly due to my Croatian heritage.
The first goal came in a lame way, a ridiculous dive led to a free kick, which led to an own goal. 1–0 to France.
The second goal was delicious. An fantastic first touch took
Ivan Perišić away from Ngolo Kanté and he smashed it home to the far post. 1–1.
The third goal wasn’t much better than the first. A tough VAR handball call in the box, penalty kick. 2–1 France.
Croatia continued to dominate the game. But playing down a goal meant they had to press high up the field. France’s third and fourth goals came from Croatia committing players forward and having to chase back. However, in general France’s final two goals were better.
Croatia scored a fluke of a goal to make it 4–2. Which I am happy about because it looks better than 4–1, which definitely didn’t reflect the play on the field. Hugo Lloris received the ball back from his defender and was caught in two minds. The constant high pressure from Mandžukić paid off here, and he was able to tap it in.
France won the game. It was a far more exciting world cup final than most others in recent memory. In fact, there were only 4 goals total in the last 3 world cup finals.
A lot of people consider this world cup to have been one of the best. Speaking only on the ones I have been able to watch, I would agree.
Summers filled with a World Cup are the absolute best. Everyday new drama, new displays of skill, and new failures. We saw every bit of teams overreaching, under performing, and an extreme bit of flopping. All I can say is, I can’t wait for Euro 2020.
