Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: France 4-2 Croatia highlights

France won the Fifa World Cup for the second time by overcoming Croatia's bold challenge in a thrilling final in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

Didier Deschamps' side repeated the success on home soil at France '98 by a margin that hardly looked possible as Croatia stood toe-to-toe with the favourites for an hour.

France's victory meant Deschamps, who captained them 20 years ago, became just the third man to win the competition as a player and coach.

Croatia also felt their luck deserted them, but ultimately France ran out victorious to erase the memories of the loss to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final in Paris.

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Own goal from Croatia's Mario Mandzukic give France early lead

In one of the most exciting World Cup finals of the modern era, played out to a soundtrack of thunder, Croatia and France delivered an enthralling spectacle that brought the joint highest goal tally in a final since 1958, a pitch invasion, and a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee that had a huge influence on the outcome.

France took the lead after 18 minutes when Antoine Griezmann's free-kick deflected in off Mario Mandzukic's head - but Croatia were by far the better side in the first half and deservedly equalised courtesy of Ivan Perisic's left-foot finish.

Croatia were left nursing a burning sense of injustice when France restored their lead seven minutes before half-time through Griezmann's penalty, awarded by referee Nestor Pitana for handball against Perisic after a lengthy delay while VAR was consulted.

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Paul Pogba's curling shot puts France 3-1 up against Croatia

In a compelling second half, France looked to have wrapped it up with two strikes in six minutes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe either side of the hour mark.

Croatia, however, showed unbreakable spirit and even threatened a comeback when Mandzukic took advantage of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hesitating over a clearance to pull a goal back.

But France closed out the win to bring redemption for Deschamps after defeat at the Euros two years ago, sparking wild celebrations and ensuring Lloris lifted the World Cup.

Quality and luck - a deadly combination

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Kylian Mbappe goal stretches lead

France are the team for all seasons - possessing an all-round quality that has carried them to this World Cup triumph.

When that is added to an element of good fortune, it can prove a deadly combination.

Croatia will complain bitterly that Griezmann went down theatrically for the free-kick that led to Mandzukic's own goal, and they will also feel Perisic's handball was not clear-cut enough for VAR to make that decisive intervention just before half-time.

What is not in doubt, however, is the sheer quality this France side possesses, a potent attack the spearhead for a strong midfield and outstanding defence.

When Croatia threatened to come back once more early in the second half, Pogba and Mbappe's strikes from the edge of the area past the static Danijel Subasic - who still looked less than fully fit after injuring a hamstring in the quarter-final against Russia - proved the defining passage of this final.

France celebrated joyously at the final whistle after claiming the sport's greatest trophy once more, with Deschamps - the coach whose conservative methods have often brought criticism - tossed high into the air by his players.

Croatia's pride and passion

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Ivan Perisic fires Croatia level against France in the final

Croatia return home as beaten World Cup finalists but their approach to this match will have won the hearts of neutrals and earned them a prolonged standing ovation from their fans at the final whistle.

Zlatko Dalic's side were the better team for the first hour despite trailing, and were pushing France back when they were hit by those two swift hammer blows from Pogba and Mbappe.

Croatia had done it the hard way to reach this final, winning on penalties in the last 16 and quarter-final against Denmark and hosts Russia respectively before requiring extra time to beat England in the semi-final.

Yet they showed no signs of tiredness as they tore into France from the first whistle, and even when the game looked out of reach they never once let their heads drop, threatening an unlikely comeback when Mandzukic cashed in on Lloris' error.

It was not to be but world-class midfielder Luka Modric has illuminated this World Cup, while the energy, commitment and threat of Perisic stood out here.

Croatia's footballers and their coach will return home as national heroes - a status they fully deserve after their contribution to this spectacular World Cup and their all-out approach to this final.

The great VAR debate

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Howler from France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris gives Croatia lifeline

This was the first World Cup to utilise VAR - so it was perhaps inevitable it would play a major part in the final.

The moment came just before half-time when France's players appealed instantly for a penalty when a corner struck Perisic's hand at the near post.

Referee Pitana took what seemed an age to consult VAR - even having one last look to make sure after moving to turn away - before, to Croatia's horror and France's delight, pointing to the spot.

Croatia will argue it was not a "clear and obvious" mistake and the handball was not a deliberate act on Perisic's part, and their pain increased as Griezmann slipped home the penalty that was to play a crucial role in the outcome.

Man of the match - Antoine Griezmann (France)

Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Antoine Griezmann tucks away controversial VAR penalty

First PL player to score in final since '98 - the stats

Deschamps is the third person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, after Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer.

France became the first team to score four goals in a World Cup final since Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in 1970.

Croatia are the first team to lose in their first appearance in a World Cup final since the Netherlands in 1974 (2-1 v Germany).

Mandzukic is the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final.

Mbappe (19 years 207 days) is the second youngest player to score in a World Cup final, after Pele for Brazil in 1958 (17 years 249 days).

Griezmann has scored 10 goals for France in major tournaments - only three players have scored more for Les Bleus (Michel Platini - 14, Just Fontaine - 13, Thierry Henry - 12).

Perisic has been directly involved in 11 goals at major tournaments (7 goals, 4 assists), more than any other Croatia player.

Perisic became only the second player to both score a goal, and concede a penalty in a World Cup final, after Marco Materazzi for Italy in 2006.

Pogba became the first Manchester United player to score in a World Cup final, and the first Premier League player to do so since Emmanuel Petit in 1998.

Pogba's goal for France was the first scored from outside the box in a World Cup final since Marco Tardelli for Italy v Germany in 1982.

Mandzukic is only the second player in World Cup history to score a goal and an own goal in the same match, after the Netherlands' Ernie Brandts against Italy in 1978.

Mandzukic became the fifth player to score in both World Cup and European Cup/Champions League finals after Ferenc Puskas, Zoltan Czibor, Gerd Muller and Zinedine Zidane.

France's victory was rapturously received by French president Emmanuel Macron</s>Moscow: President Vladimir Putin said Russia could be "proud" of its hosting of the football World Cup, judging it a success "in every respect" after Sunday's final.

"We can surely be proud of how we organised this tournament," Putin said in televised comments after France's victory against Croatia.

"We have made this grand event a success in every respect," he added.

"We have done it for our supporters, for Russians who are passionate about sport and for all those who love sport across the world."

Putin thanked the foreign fans who came to Russia for the tournament.

Before it started a month ago, there had been concerns due to the memory of violence between Russian and English fans during the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Fans at this World Cup however "showed that sport and football can manage not to divide people and not lead to fights and disputes, but unite people on the basis of common values," Putin said.

"People tried to scare us by saying the English would come and commit hooliganism... But everyone behaved in a most exemplary manner."

Putin said foreign visitors holding "fan ID" cards for the World Cup could have visa-free entry to Russia for the rest of 2018.

The fan IDs which permitted ticket-holders to enter Russia during the World Cup had initially been due to expire on 25 July.

Now, "foreign supporters who currently have fan IDs will be able to benefit from multiple entries into the Russian Federation without a visa until the end of the year," Putin said.

Despite high diplomatic tension between Moscow and the West, world football officials and personalities as well as world leaders have lined up to praise Russia's hosting of the tournament.

Russian leaders revelled in Sunday night's dramatic match after French players lifted the trophy.

The game was watched by Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

Putin said he had congratulated both leaders.

"A score of 4-2 in a final — I can't remember seeing a score like that and few people could," Putin said.

"Both teams were magnificent... I am sure everyone liked the way they played, and so did I."

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Instagram: "A marvellous final! France are champions. Russia has organised the best World Cup."

The Russian foreign ministry congratulated France for its victory in an official tweet.

"Congratulations to the @FrenchTeam for their second title and thank you for this feast of football!" it wrote.

Click here for full coverage of FIFA World Cup 2018</s>MOSCOW — France powered its way to the second World Cup title in its history on Sunday, storming past Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium in a dominant 4-2 triumph.

An early own goal from Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic – the first ever in a World Cup final – set France on its way, with Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe also getting on the scoresheet.

After suffering the disappointment of losing the 2016 European Championship semifinal on home soil, the result gave Les Blues redemption, 20 years after capturing its first World Cup crown.

That 1998 victory was fairly routine – a 3-0 cruise past Brazil – and so was this. Griezmann’s free-kick was deflected in by Mandzukic 18 minutes in, and even though Ivan Perisic levelled 10 minutes later, the French were back in front by half-time.

Domagoj Vida of Croatia looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Video replay was used to call Perisic for handball in his own area, and Griezmann calmly made no mistake from the spot.

Croatia’s efforts in getting to the final via three extra time games and two shootouts began to catch up. Pogba stroked a left-foot strike from the edge of the box and Mbappe confirmed his reputation as a future superstar with his fourth goal of the tournament, letting France begin the celebration early.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a bizarre error to allow Mandzukic grab a consolation goal, but Didier Deschamps’ side was never going to let victory slip. European teams have now won the last four World Cups, extending the longest streak ever.</s>MOSCOW — France and Croatia face off in the 2018 World Cup final. Follow all the action here:

France has clinched its second World Cup title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in a dramatic final in Moscow featuring a series of firsts and a pitch invasion orchestrated by Russian protest group Pussy Riot.

France has a 4-2 lead over Croatia after 70 minutes of a World Cup final that has featured a series of firsts including an own goal and a penalty awarded after a video review. And a pitch invasion that Russian punk rock group Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility for.

France led 2-1 at half time and extended the lead to 4-1 with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.

Hugo Lloris of France reacts following Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Paul Pogba has given France a 3-1 lead over Croatia in the World Cup final with a goal in the 59th minute.

Four people dressed in suits have invaded the pitch during the second half of the World Cup final.

The four, who seemed to be wearing peaked caps, approached players and one appeared to share a high five with a France player.

Stewards dragged the people off the field after a total disruption of almost a minute while France was leading 2-1.

A pitch invader is stopped by Dejan Lovren of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Records are falling like the rain coming down on the field after a wild first half of the World Cup final in Moscow.

France has a 2-1 lead over Croatia courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic's head was the 12th of the tournament. That's double the previous World Cup record of six.

Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn't call the handball but spoke into his headset with colleagues in the video booth, then made the box-shaped symbol for a video review. He awarded the spot kick shortly afterward, which Antoine Griezmann sent into the net to put France back in front.

This is the first World Cup in which video review has been used.

France leads Croatia 2-1 at halftime as it works toward its first World Cup title in 20 years.

The first half ended with thunder rolling over Moscow after France regained the lead from an Antoine Griezmann penalty in the 38th minute following the first use of video review in a World Cup final.

France had taken the lead in the 18th through Mario Mandzukic's own-goal — the first in a World Cup final and a record 12th in the tournament — off a Griezmann free kick, before Croatia's Ivan Perisic equalized with a fierce left-foot strike 10 minutes later.

Perisic was also the player who conceded the penalty with a handball at a corner. It is already the highest-scoring World Cup final since France won its only previous title in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0.

Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

Antoine Griezmann has given France a 2-1 lead over Croatia with a penalty after the first call made using a video review in a World Cup final.

Griezmann hit the ball hard and left as Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic jumped the other way in the 38th minute.

The spot-kick was given after the ball bounced off the arm of Croatia's Ivan Perisic at a corner before hitting his leg and going out of play. Perisic had scored for Croatia to level the game at 1-1 in the 28th minute.

There was a break of about 90 seconds as referee Nestor Pitana discussed the call with his video assistants and reviewed the footage.

Antoine Griezmann of France scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia has leveled the score in the World Cup final against France at 1-1 on a goal from Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute.

Domagoj Vida got the ball at a free kick and passed it back to Perisic on the edge of the area. The winger controlled the ball with his right foot and used his left to fire it past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

It's the third goal in seven games for Perisic and the first goal France has conceded since its 4-3 win over Argentina in the round of 16.

Croatia has now had equalize in four straight games after conceding the opening goal. All three preceding games went to extra time.

Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrates with team mate Ante Rebic after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

France has scored with the first real chance of the World Cup final as Mario Mandzukic headed a free kick into his own net.

Antoine Griezmann swung the free kick into a mass of French and Croatian players and Mandzukic diverted the ball into the net, just past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic's outstretched hand in the 18th minute.

It was the 12th own goal of the World Cup, an all-time record.

It was the first goal in regulation in a World Cup final since 2006 — the 2010 and 2014 finals were both extra time 1-0 results



Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores an own goal from Antoine Griezmann of France's free-kick, France's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic has taken the kickoff for his team in the World Cup final against France.

As their national anthem rang out around the Luzhniki stadium, Croatian fans unfurled a banner reading, "one heart, one strength, my country Croatia."

Both teams were unchanged from the lineups that won their semifinal games. France beat Belgium 1-0, and Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra time.

Croatia is playing its first World Cup final. France won its only World Cup title when it hosted the tournament in 1998.

The French and Croatian teams are on the field for their World Cup final.

The teams emerged from the dressing rooms to stand behind the World Cup trophy, with captains Hugo Lloris and Luka Modric in the lead.

Philipp Lahm, Germany's winning captain in 2014, earlier brought out the World Cup trophy with Russian model Natalia Vodianova. Lahm picked up the cup and held it for cheering crowds.

France is aiming to win its second World Cup and first since 1998. Croatia has never before gone past the semifinal stage.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>France Wins FIFA World Cup, Beating Croatia, 4-2 Lift The World Cup .The first France goal came off a Croatian’s head. The second was scored with the aid of the Argentine referee, and became the first video-assistant-reviewed goal in World Cup history.

But the next two — hard low shots by the young French stars Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé — confirmed what everyone knew even before France polished off its 4-2 victory on Sunday: arFrance was the best team in the field this summer in Russia, and for that reason — a potent mix of greatness, grit and good fortune — they are world champions again.

The title is France’s first since it won on home soil in 1998, and it ended a thrilling run by Croatia. The Croats survived three consecutive extra-time games and two penalty shootouts to reach their first final, and they even had the better of the game on Sunday .

But France fought Croatia off when it had to and punished it when it could. And when the final whistle blew, its players circled the field in glee, piled atop one another, shared embraces with their coach, Didier Deschamps, a midfielder on the 1998 team who became the third man to win the World Cup as a player and head coach.

The French struck first, or rather Croatia did — with striker Mario Mandzukic heading a free kick over his goalkeeper in the 18th minute. Stunned, Croatia tied the match 10 minutes later through Ivan Perisic, but soon was behind again in a moment both historic and controversial.

The incident came in the 35th minute, when a ball served into the box tipped off a French player and onto the hand of Perisic, who did not seem to see it arriving. The Argentine referee, Nelson Pitana, initially signaled a corner kick. But as France’s players appealed for a corner, Pitana got word through his headset from the video-assistant referee that he might want to have a look at the replay.

The V.A.R. system, approved controversially earlier this year for use in its first World Cup, had performed above expectations in the tournament. Pitana went to the sideline between the benches and, with the V.A.R. in his ear, scrolled through the play against before returning to the field to signal a penalty kick for handball.

The France striker Antonie Griezmann stepped up and calmly rolled the ball in, and just like that history was made and the French were back in front.

Pogba, controlling his own rebound to score in the 59th minute, and Mbappé, firing through a screen in the 65th, soon made the goal a footnote. A blunder by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who tapped a clearance off a pressuring Mandzukic and into his own net four minutes later, gave the Croatians a lifeline. But France, as it has in most of its games at this World Cup, sent on a few substitutes and simply strangled the life out of the game to complete its triumph.

When it ended the French players flew off their bench and gathered in two tight huddles near midfield, The French coaches swarmed Deschamps into what became a hug involving about a dozen men.

The Croatians fell to the turf and began to cry. They soon rose, to the cheers and the salutes of the heavily pro-Croatia crowd, but it was not their day.

It was a day for Deschamps. And Pogba. And Mbappé. It was a day for France to celebrate a new generation of heroes, and to hope it will not be 20 more years before they can do it again.

Standouts for France in its victory: Paul Pogba advanced the ball 153 meters in the game (and got a goal too). Benjamin Pavard had 11 clearances, many when Croatia was looking very threatening.

France has won its second World Cup, beating Croatia, 4-2, in the final in Moscow. Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba both scored for France in the second half to put the game away.</s>MOSCOW — The Latest on Sunday at the World Cup (all times local):

France has clinched its second World Cup title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in a dramatic final in Moscow featuring a series of firsts and a pitch invasion orchestrated by Russian protest group Pussy Riot.

France led 2-1 at halftime courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic's head was the 12th of the tournament. That's double the previous World Cup record of six.

Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn't call the handball but awarded the spot kick after a video review. Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty to put France back in front.

Four pitch invaders disrupted the game in the 52nd minute for about a minute before being dragged away by security and police. Punk rock group Pussy Riot quickly claimed responsibility for the pitch invasion via social media, saying it was a protest aimed at ending illegal arrests of protesters and to allow political competition in Russia.

Play resumed and France quickly took a 4-1 lead with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.

Croatia was playing in its first World Cup final. For France, it was a first World Cup crown since winning on home soil in 1998.

France has a 4-2 lead over Croatia after 70 minutes of a World Cup final that has featured a series of firsts including an own goal and a penalty awarded after a video review. And a pitch invasion for which the Russian punk rock group Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility.

France led 2-1 at half time and extended the lead to 4-1 with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.

France is aiming for its second World Cup title. Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility for the four pitch invaders who disrupted the World Cup final between France and Croatia in Moscow. Just after Croatia goalkeeper saved Kylian Mlbappe in the 52nd minute, four people emerged from the other end of the field. One made it to the center circle. They were quickly tackled by security, and the match resumed after a delay of about one minute.

The balaclava-clad women of Pussy Riot, a Russian punk rock group, rose to global prominence with their daring outdoor performances critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012 that sent two members to prison for nearly two years.

The band says in a statement posted on their Twitter feed that the disruption was a protest.

Before being hauled away, one woman managed to reach the center of the field and share a double high-five with France forward Kylian Mbappe, who had a shot saved a minute earlier.

"Hello everyone from the Luzhniki field, it's great here," the group said on Twitter, and released a statement calling for the freeing of political prisoners, an end to "illegal arrests" of protesters and to "allow political competition" in Russia.

Paul Pogba has given France a 3-1 lead over Croatia in the World Cup final with a goal in the 59th minute.

Pogba made a lengthy diagonal, cross-field pass to Mbappe, who sped up the right flank. He dribbled around Strinic and crossed to Griezmann, who took two touches and cut the ball back to Pogba at the penalty arc. Pogba's initial shot was blocked by Lovren, and Pogba sent in the rebound for his first goal of the tournament.

Four people dressed in suits have invaded the pitch during the second half of the World Cup final.

The four, who seemed to be wearing peaked caps, approached players and one appeared to share a high five with a France player.

Stewards dragged the people off the field after a total disruption of almost a minute while France was leading 2-1.

Records are falling like the rain coming down on the field after a wild first half of the World Cup final in Moscow.

France has a 2-1 lead over Croatia courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic's head was the 12th of the tournament. That's double the previous World Cup record of six.

Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn't call the handball but spoke into his headset with colleagues in the video booth, then made the box-shaped symbol for a video review. He awarded the spot kick shortly afterward, which Antoine Griezmann sent into the net to put France back in front.

This is the first World Cup in which video review has been used.

France leads Croatia 2-1 at halftime as it works toward its first World Cup title in 20 years.

The first half ended with thunder rolling over Moscow after France regained the lead from an Antoine Griezmann penalty in the 38th minute following the first use of video review in a World Cup final.

France had taken the lead in the 18th through Mario Mandzukic's own-goal — the first in a World Cup final and a record 12th in the tournament — off a Griezmann free kick, before Croatia's Ivan Perisic equalized with a fierce left-foot strike 10 minutes later.

Perisic was also the player who conceded the penalty with a handball at a corner. It is already the highest-scoring World Cup final since France won its only previous title in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0.

Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

Antoine Griezmann has given France a 2-1 lead over Croatia with a penalty after the first call made using a video review in a World Cup final.

Griezmann hit the ball hard and left as Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic jumped the other way in the 38th minute.

The spot-kick was given after the ball bounced off the arm of Croatia's Ivan Perisic at a corner before hitting his leg and going out of play. Perisic had scored for Croatia to level the game at 1-1 in the 28th minute.

There was a break of about 90 seconds as referee Nestor Pitana discussed the call with his video assistants and reviewed the footage.

Croatia has leveled the score in the World Cup final against France at 1-1 on a goal from Ivan Perisic in the 28th minute.

Domagoj Vida got the ball at a free kick and passed it back to Perisic on the edge of the area. The winger controlled the ball with his right foot and used his left to fire it past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

It's the third goal in seven games for Perisic and the first goal France has conceded since its 4-3 win over Argentina in the round of 16.

Croatia has now had equalize in four straight games after conceding the opening goal. All three preceding games went to extra time.

France has scored with the first real chance of the World Cup final as Mario Mandzukic headed a free kick into his own net.

Antoine Griezmann swung the free kick into a mass of French and Croatian players and Mandzukic diverted the ball into the net, just past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic's outstretched hand in the 18th minute.

It was the 12th own goal of the World Cup, an all-time record, and the first ever in a World Cup final.

It was the first goal in regulation in a World Cup final since 2006 — the 2010 and 2014 finals were both extra time 1-0 results

French fans have packed the Paris fan zone, which holds 90,000, near the Eiffel Tower to watch the World Cup final between France and Croatia.

Orio Hamra from the Paris region says, "Yes, I have faith ... They're hungry and 20 years on, it would be beautiful if they won the Cup." Les Bleus' last World Cup victory was in 1998.

It was an occasion for all ages to dress up for France, some wrapped in French flags, others painting their faces or donning elaborate headgear in the blue, white and red national colors.

Security forces are on the ready throughout France, which celebrated Bastille Day on Saturday, with 110,000 police on duty.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic has taken the kickoff for his team in the World Cup final against France.

As their national anthem rang out around the Luzhniki stadium, Croatian fans unfurled a banner reading, "one heart, one strength, my country Croatia."

Both teams were unchanged from the lineups that won their semifinal games. France beat Belgium 1-0, and Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra time.

Croatia is playing its first World Cup final. France won its only World Cup title when it hosted the tournament in 1998.

The French and Croatian teams are on the field for their World Cup final.

The teams emerged from the dressing rooms to stand behind the World Cup trophy, with captains Hugo Lloris and Luka Modric in the lead.

Philipp Lahm, Germany's winning captain in 2014, earlier brought out the World Cup trophy with Russian model Natalia Vodianova. Lahm picked up the cup and held it for cheering crowds.

France is aiming to win its second World Cup and first since 1998. Croatia has never before gone past the semifinal stage.

Croatia's president says no matter what happens in the World Cup final, the unexpected success of her small country's hard-working, underdog team means that "we're a winner."

In an interview with The Associated Press, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic says she wants her once-warring region to come together to support Croatia in the final and Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

She says "sports brings people together. People in all of our countries are tired of ideological differences, of going back into the past all the time."

Ahead of Sunday's final against France in Moscow, she predicts a Croatian victory but says "whatever happens, we're a winner."

She has used the victory to raise her country's profile, posing in a red-and-white checkered team jersey at every opportunity — and giving one to U.S. President Donald Trump.

The closing ceremony for the World Cup has started.

The actor and singer Will Smith is among those performing in the brief show before France plays Croatia in the final.

Dozens of people bearing video screens showing moments from the tournament are interspersed among performers dancing in glittery costumes.

President Emmanuel Macron of France has been joined by one of his predecessors, Nicolas Sarkozy, as guests of FIFA to see their national team play Croatia in the World Cup final.

The president of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, is also among 10 heads of state and national leaders at Luzhniki Stadium.

They have joined Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the presidents of Belarus, Moldova, Gabon and Sudan.

Some western European governments stayed away from the World Cup amid the fallout from the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in England in March.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is also here. Qatar hosts the next World Cup in 2022 and the emir attended a handover ceremony at the Kremlin with Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier Sunday.

There was new signage inside Luzhniki Stadium for the championship between Croatia and France.

For the previous six matches, the front of the second and third decks had bright blue backgrounds with "2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA" in white in English and Russian, alternating with red backgrounds with "MOSCOW" and "(hashtag)world cup" in white.

For the final, there were gold backgrounds with "FINAL2018" in navy blue, alternating with navy blue backgrounds with "MOSCOW," ''FIFA WORLD CUP" in English and Russian and "(hashtag)world cup" on navy backdrops with gold lettering.

France and Croatia are on the field at Luzhniki Stadium to warm up for World Cup final with under an hour to go before kickoff.

France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris emerged first to cheers from supporters along with his team's two reserve keepers. French fans waved the tricolor as the rest of the team came out, with defender Lucas Hernandez waving to the stands.

Croatian fans gave captain Luka Modric and his teammates a similar greeting minutes later.

France is aiming to win its second World Cup and first since 1998, while Croatia has never before gone past the semifinal stage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will help present the trophy to the winning captain after the World Cup final.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will join Putin for the ceremony on the field at Luzhniki Stadium.

The recent World Cup tradition is for presidents of FIFA and the host nation to jointly hand over the gold-and-malachite trophy.

Four years ago, then-FIFA leader Sepp Blatter and Brazil's then-president Dilma Rousseff presented the trophy to Germany captain Philipp Lahm.

Lahm is bringing the trophy on to the field before France and Croatia kick off at 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT/11 a.m. EDT) in Moscow.

France and Croatia will take unchanged lineups into the World Cup final.

France coach Didier Deschamps has retained the starting 11 which beat Belgium 1-0 in the semifinals after Blaise Matuidi returned from a suspension in the quarterfinals.

Zlatko Dalic has stuck with Marcelo Brozovic in midfield after he came into the lineup for Croatia's 2-1, extra-time semifinal win over England. That means forward Andrej Kramaric remains on the bench.

Braving rainy weather, Croatian fans are gathering in squares and streets around the country ahead of the World Cup final with France.

Wearing Croatian team jerseys and waving flags, fans have filled up the central square in the capital Zagreb some two hours before the game kicks off in Russia.

Fans have wrapped the square's monument in national red-and-white colors.

Croatian media and officials have described the team's run to the World Cup final as the country's most important sports event ever.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic says "all this has been a wonderful experience ... we should all be happy to be part of it."

Thousands of fans have filled the historic Grand Place in Brussels to welcome home the Belgium team after its third-place finish in the World Cup.

The Belgian players returned immediately after their 2-0 win over England in the third-place playoff and were first received by King Philippe at the royal palace on Sunday before they were taken in an open bus through the sun-splashed center of Brussels where thousands more stood along the way.

The Grand Place only holds 8,000 and was full several hours before the players appeared on the balcony of the gothic city hall to another rapturous round of applause and cheers.

Croatia has arrived for the World Cup final.

The Croats, who will be playing for the title for the first time, arrived at the Luzhniki Stadium a few minutes after the French squad. Luka Modric, the midfielder who is the driving force in the Croatia team, was one of the first to enter the dressing room.

Croatia's best showing before this year was when it reached the semifinals in 1998. But the team lost to host France in that game 20 years ago, and the French team went on to win its only World Cup title.

The France team has arrived at the Luzhniki Stadium for the World Cup final against Croatia.

The team, escorted by five police motorcycles, arrived in a bus with a French flag adorned to the windows on either side of the vehicle.

France coach Didier Deschamps was one of the first off the bus, followed by his players wearing blue training outfits.

France is playing for its second World Cup title after winning at home in 1998. Croatia is looking for its first.

The World Cup trophy has arrived at the Luzhniki Stadium.

France and Croatia will play for soccer's most important title on Sunday, with the winning captain the first to hoist the gold statuette over his head.

According to a video posted by FIFA , the trophy was driven to the stadium and arrived packed in a hard case.

The Croatian president has called on Russians to support Croatia in the World Cup final.

In a video message recorded on a plane and posted to Facebook , Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic says in Russian "You are great hosts. Support Croatia today. Let's be happy together."

Dressed in Croatian red-and-white, she then leads a chant of "Croatia, Croatia, Croatia."

Croatia's political and football leaders have tried to smooth over relations with Russia after their team knocked the host nation out in the quarterfinals.

After that game, some Russian social media users were angered when Croatia defender Domagoj Vida praised neighboring Ukraine in a video posted online. Vida has apologized for any offense, saying he meant to pay tribute to friends in Ukraine and not to comment on the political tension between Ukraine and Russia.

Grabar-Kitarovic met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and praised the country's hosting of the World Cup.

Grabar-Kitarovic says, "This championship really has been an example for everybody. You not only ensured the fans free movement, but you prevented any kind of incident prevented any kind of expressions that could be characterized as showing hatred."

The area around Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium is filling up with fans, with less than three hours before the World Cup final kicks off.

Croatia fans appear to have the French outnumbered as their country plays in its first final. France is aiming to win the trophy for the second time after a 20-year wait.

Some Croatia fans have turned up wearing water-polo caps in national colors, something which became a national trend when defender Vedran Corluka wore one following a head injury at the 2016 European Championship.

There are fans from all over the world at the stadium, with the flags of China, Ecuador, Germany, Morocco and England all on display.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally passed the torch to Qatar for the World Cup in 2022.

Ahead of the final in Moscow between France and Croatia, Putin has met at the Kremlin with Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Putin says Russia's World Cup has been a success and "I am sure that our friend from Qatar will succeed at holding the FIFA 2022 World Cup at the same highest level."

Putin ceremonially handed a football to the emir to mark the transfer to Qatar, which will be the first Arab country to host the tournament.

The emir says through a translator that the World Cup "will be a huge and great festival for all our country."

One of those two teams will become World Cup champion later Sunday.

The French, who won their only World Cup title at home in 1998, will be playing in their third final in 20 years. The Croats have the chance to win the biggest prize in soccer for the first time.

The match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow caps a month-long tournament that started with 32 teams playing in 12 stadiums around Russia.</s>France are the FIFA World Cup 2018 champions! In a final which was a fitting end to one of the most exciting World Cup tournaments ever, France beat Croatia 4-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow tonight. The match made for some proper edge-of-the-seat entertainment and it was France who held their nerves to win their second ever World Cup trophy. The last time they won it in was in 1998 and in 2006, they came extremely close before they narrowly lost the final in 2006. A game filled with so many talking points, it was sheer drama as both teams gave their all. While France’s victory wasn’t absolutely convincing, they still displayed a dominating performance for the full 90 minutes to eventually take it home. Here are the five key moments from the World Cup final that we think influenced France’s incredible World Cup victory:

Five key moments of the FIFA World Cup 2018 Final

In a World Cup filled with upsets and shining underdogs, France made sure that they delivered what was expected from the young, talented squad. While they started slow, they did switch gears in the Knockout stages to really make their mark in the tournament. Having entered the World Cup Final as favourites, Didier Deschamps’ men performed exceptionally well against a gritty Croatian side to emerge victorious.

Mandzukic’s own goal that started it all

A game which started off slow in the very early stages, France got a set piece opportunity in the 18th minute. Having already scored in the last two matches through set-pieces, France was eager to make this count. Although they did not really plan for the exact events, they did get a goal. Mario Mandzukic who was Croatia’s extra time hero in the semi-final against England had the last touch giving France the all important lead.

VAR to France’s aide in the World Cup final

There was a lot of talk about the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ever since it was implemented in this year’s World Cup. It was only fitting that VAR played a role in the World Cup final. With the game tied at 1-1, Ivan Perisic who had just brought Croatia back in the game had an unfortunate touch of the ball with his left hand while defending a corner. Many referees would have overlooked that, but Argentina’s Nestor Pitana took the aide of VAR to give France a penalty. Antoine Griezmann restored France’s lead.

Having gone into half-time with a one goal lead, France had to make sure that they cancelled out every Croatian attack early in the second half. Naturally Croatia went all guns blazing which left a lot of gaps at the back. Paul Pogba, who started a counter attack, finished it off beautifully with a well-deserved goal. Croatia now trailing by two goals couldn’t help but leave more space at the back in search of a goal. And then Kylian Mbappé happened.

Following the great Pele, Mbappé smashes it home

Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappé was an asset for France since the beginning. It was only poetic that the boy who had such a wonderful World Cup finished it off in style. Taking advantage of his blistering pace, Mbappé sped past the Croatian defenders and smashed one into the bottom corner. Although Mandzukic scored one back thanks to Lloris’ foot-in-the-mouth moment, Mbappé’s goal had sealed the deal for the French.

Perhaps the best player of the FIFA World Cup 2018, Croatia’s captain Luka Modric had a relatively quiet game in the World Cup final. While he did command the midfield for Croatia, he was marked well by the French defenders giving him no real space to threaten. A sad end for a player that really put no foot wrong during the whole tournament.

FIFA 2018 World Cup: 10 young players who are most likely to own the stage in Russia

You can carry marijuana, cocaine and heroin to the FIFA 2018 World Cup games

From Telstar to Telstar, we keep the ball rolling in FIFA World Cup 2018</s>MOSCOW — France won its second World Cup title by beating Croatia 4-2 on Sunday in a match briefly interrupted by an on-field protest during the second half that Russian punk band Pussy Riot later took credit for.

Teenage forward Kylian Mbappe scored his fourth goal of the tournament for France and the team’s fourth in the 65th minute, about 12 minutes after play resumed at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Mbappe, who is 19, is only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final. Pele was 17 when he scored two goals for Brazil in the 1958 final.

Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba also scored for the 1998 champions. Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic scored for Croatia.

Mandzukic also scored an own-goal, giving France the lead in the 18th minute.

Pussy Riot, a Russian punk rock group that rose to global prominence with their daring outdoor performances critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, claimed responsibility for the second-half disruption on Twitter.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Latest on Sunday at the World Cup:

France has a 4-2 lead over Croatia after 70 minutes of a World Cup final that has featured a series of firsts including an own goal and a penalty awarded after a video review. And a pitch invasion that Russian punk rock group Pussy Riot has claimed responsibility for.

France led 2-1 at half time and extended the lead to 4-1 with goals from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe in the 59th and 65th minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for the Croatians in the 69th.

France is aiming for its second World Cup title. Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

Pussy Riot has just claimed responsibility for the four pitch invaders who disrupted the World Cup final between France and Croatia in Moscow. Just after Croatia goalkeeper saved Kylian Mlbappe in the 51st minute, four people emerged from the other end of the field. One made it to the center circle.

They were quickly tackled by security, and the match resumed after a delay of about one minute.

The balaclava-clad women of Pussy Riot, a Russian punk rock group, rose to global prominence with their daring outdoor performances critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012 that sent two members to prison for nearly two years.

Paul Pogba has given France a 3-1 lead over Croatia in the World Cup final with a goal in the 59th minute.

Pogba made a lengthy diagonal, cross-field pass to Mbappe, who sped up the right flank. He dribbled around Strinic and crossed to Griezmann, who took two touches and cut the ball back to Pogba at the penalty arc. Pogba’s initial shot was blocked by Lovren, and Pogba sent in the rebound for his first goal of the tournament.

Four people dressed in suits have invaded the pitch during the second half of the World Cup final.

The four, who seemed to be wearing peaked caps, approached players and one appeared to share a high five with a France player.

Stewards dragged the people off the field after a total disruption of almost a minute while France was leading 2-1.

Records are falling like the rain coming down on the field after a wild first half of the World Cup final in Moscow.

France has a 2-1 lead over Croatia courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic’s head was the 12th of the tournament. That’s double the previous World Cup record of six.

Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn’t call the handball but spoke into his headset with colleagues in the video booth, then made the box-shaped symbol for a video review. He awarded the spot kick shortly afterward, which Antoine Griezmann sent into the net to put France back in front.

This is the first World Cup in which video review has been used.

France leads Croatia 2-1 at halftime as it works toward its first World Cup title in 20 years.

The first half ended with thunder rolling over Moscow after France regained the lead from an Antoine Griezmann penalty in the 38th minute following the first use of video review in a World Cup final.

France had taken the lead in the 18th through Mario Mandzukic’s own-goal — the first in a World Cup final and a record 12th in the tournament — off a Griezmann free kick, before Croatia’s Ivan Perisic equalized with a fierce left-foot strike 10 minutes later.

Perisic was also the player who conceded the penalty with a handball at a corner. It is already the highest-scoring World Cup final since France won its only previous title in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0.

Croatia is playing in the World Cup final for the first time.

President Emmanuel Macron of France has been joined by one of his predecessors, Nicolas Sarkozy, as guests of FIFA to see their national team play Croatia in the World Cup final.

The president of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, is also among 10 heads of state and national leaders at Luzhniki Stadium.

They have joined Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the presidents of Belarus, Moldova, Gabon and Sudan.

Some western European governments stayed away from the World Cup amid the fallout from the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in England in March.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is also here. Qatar hosts the next World Cup in 2022 and the emir attended a handover ceremony at the Kremlin with Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier Sunday.</s>France has won its second World Cup championship, defeating Croatia 4-2 Sunday at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium

France led 2-1 at halftime, thanks to an own-goal by Croatian Mario Mandzukic, who headed a free kick into his own team's net, and a penalty kick by Antoine Griezmann. Croatia's Ivan Perisic briefly leveled the game around 30 minutes in, scoring Croatia's first goal.

Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé scored two more goals for France in the second half, followed by a final surprising goal by Croatia's Mandzukic gifted by French keeper Hugo Lloris.

Despite losing the final, Croatian captain Luka Modric won the Golden Ball for the 2018 World Cup's best player.

Anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot claimed responsibility for a brief disruption of the game in the second half, when three people dressed like police officers ran onto the pitch from behind the French goal. A fourth person was stopped before they could enter the field. The game was halted for less than a minute. In a post on the group's Facebook page, Pussy Riot said that the disruption was intended to draw attention to human rights abuses in Russia.

France last won a World Cup championship on their own soil in 1998, defeating Brazil 3-0. France's coach this year, Didier Deschamps, also lead the team to their 1998 victory as captain.

1998 was also the last World Cup in which Croatia made it into the final 16, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 to claim third place.

Following Sunday's match, French president tweeted one word, "merci" (thank you), tagging the French team's official account.

France will host next year's Women's World Cup in Décines-Charpieu outside Lyon next summer. The next men's world cup will be held in Qatar in 2022.

Meanwhile, in France celebrations erupted immediately after France’s win over Croatia. Parisians were literally dancing in the streets, and in one neighborhood, plunging into a canal to celebrate their victory.

Nina Caniac summed up her feelings in one word: "great," and added "Because we have not won in a long time, and it is actually a really good feeling. Just to see the mood in the streets is so nice because we were not expecting that - I was not,” she added.

Fatoumata Kebe had a French flag draped over her shoulders as she toasted the victory with her baby.

“We have won,” said Kebe, who has dual French and Guinean nationality. “We are the champions!”

France’s win over Croatia appeared all but certain once the French soccer team scored its third goal, and then its fourth. The World Cup finals came just a day after the country marked Bastille Day. Now another revolution, on the soccer field.

When France won its last Worl Cup title 20 years ago, many celebrating in Paris today were not even born.

Lisa Bryant contributed to this report from Paris.</s>(AP Photo/David Vincent). France headcoach Didier Deschamps answers to journalists during the official press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium at the eve of the final against Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2...

(AP Photo/Darko Bandic). Croatia's Luka Modric, right, points at Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic during a news conference of the Croatian national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018.

(AP Photo/David Vincent). France headcoach Didier Deschamps grimaces as he listen to journalists's questions during the official press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium at the eve of the final against Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Ru...

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein). Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July...

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner). France's Samuel Umtiti, second from left, is congratulated by his teammates France's Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba, from left, after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between France and B...

MOSCOW (AP) - France is the established power with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has the veterans that have shown they can never be counted out.

The two sides will meet on Sunday in the World Cup final, with France going for its second title in its third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that only gained independence in 1991, will be playing in its first.

"Tradition is there to be demolished," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Saturday. "I'm not interested who is the opponent."

Most consider France to be the favorite for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, just like two years ago when the country's national team faced Portugal in the European Championship final at home.

But perhaps feeling complacent after beating Germany in the semifinals, France flopped.

"I don't think it's going to happen again," said France captain Hugo Lloris, who has been stellar in goal during this year's tournament. "We are far from thinking on our side that we have already reached the goal."

Lloris was the goalkeeper in that 1-0 loss in Paris, facing a Portugal team that had reached the final after some extra-time victories.

Croatia has done the same this year, needing penalty kicks to beat Denmark and host Russia before defeating England in extra time in the semifinals.

France coach Didier Deschamps has made some changes to his team, however. Fourteen, to be exact, from the 23 players who made up the squad two years ago.

Another factor in France's favor is rest. The French had only two days of rest between the Euro 2016 semifinals and the final. This time, they have four full days to recover, one more than Croatia.

"A lot of things have changed," Lloris said. "Especially when it comes to recovery and preparation time."

Croatia has also played a lot more soccer in its six matches in Russia. With its last three matches going to extra time, the team has played a full 90 minutes more than France. There was also the added stress of two penalty shootouts.

That's all behind them.

"Now, there is no pressure," Dalic said through a translator. "Simply this is the greatest moment in the life of all of us. We have come here to enjoy the final."

Croatia has not beaten France in five games since being accepted as a FIFA member federation in 1992.

The first match was the most momentous - a 2-1 win for France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals at Stade de France outside Paris.

A group game at Euro 2004 ended in a 2-2 draw, and their latest game was a 0-0 draw in March 2011 in Paris.

Both teams were unbeaten in the group stage, and France has trailed for only nine minutes in the entire tournament.

Argentina's 2-1 lead in the second half of a round-of-16 game was wiped out by defender Benjamin Pavard's long-range shot. Kylian Mbappe then exploded for two quick goals in the 4-3 victory.

Croatia's 3-0 win over Argentina was a standout performance in the group stage. The team also never trailed in wins over Nigeria and Iceland.

It's been different in the knockout rounds. Croatia conceded the opening goal in each game before rallying to advance.

Both teams have played one game at the Luzhniki Stadium so far.

Croatia beat England 2-1 at the venue on Wednesday, while France's 0-0 draw with Denmark in its final group game ended with Russian fans booing the tournament's only scoreless draw.

The past two World Cup finals were 0-0 after 90 minutes, and both were settled by a single goal in the second half of extra time.

"Win or lose," Dalic said, "there will be a seismic event in Croatia."

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
In football, France defeats Croatia 4–2 to claim its second World Cup championship.