Photo credit: Twitter @equipedefrance
France defeated Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling World Cup final that was a fitting end for a fantastic tournament. Here are my player ratings…
France
Hugo Lloris – The France captain lifted the trophy but didn’t have his finest game after an absolute howler gifted Mario Mandzukic a goal and Croatia temporary hope. He wasn’t tested for much of the game, unable to keep out Perisic’s strike but making a decent stop against Rebic early in the second half. 5/10
Benjamin Pavard – Struggled to deal with Perisic early on but looked more comfortable as the game went on, although he didn’t go forward too frequently knowing the threat against him. 6/10
Raphael Varane – Led the defence well and made some crucial challenges, although he had to bailed out by Lloris after a short pass back almost cost them. 6/10
Samuel Umtiti – Strong in defence, getting his head to most things and crucially not making any errors. 7/10
Lucas Hernandez – Vrsaljko was a menace for him throughout the game and he struggled to keep a hold of him, but he played his part in the defence to keep France ahead despite being on a booking. 6/10
Paul Pogba – Had a magnificent game, covering the whole pitch by getting back in defence as well as supporting the attack. France’s third goal was all about him, started by his superb long pass and finished by his strike at the second attempt. 9/10
N’Golo Kante – The holding midfielder didn’t have the greatest game, with Croatia targeting him in particular on the ball. Conceded the free kick that brought Perisic’s equaliser, and after getting a yellow card for that trip he had to be careful until coming off ten minutes into the second half. 5/10
Blaise Matuidi – Didn’t have a great impact in attack but he was huge defensively as part of the midfield three, holding his position well, winning the ball back and showing limitless energy. 7/10
Kylian Mbappe – At 19 he’s done it at every possible stage now, with a stunning fourth goal that sealed the win. His pace caused all sorts of problems for the Croatian defence, creating a chance all for himself that Subasic came out well to save and helping to set up Pogba’s goal. 8/10
Olivier Giroud – Hasn’t had a single shot on target at this World Cup but he plays his role well and he did the job with his hold-up play here. 6/10
Antoine Griezmann – Scored his fourth goal of the tournament with a third penalty, and his free kick was touched in by Mandzukic for the first of the game. He got another assist of sorts as well with the lay-off for Pogba to score at the second attempt. 8/10
Steven N’Zonzi – Played over 35 minutes in the second half after coming on for Kante and played the holding role well to keep France solid as they saw the game out. 6/10
Corentin Tolisso – On for Matuidi and had more than 20 minutes on the pitch to help see the game out. 6/10
Nabil Fekir – Went up front for the final ten minutes. 6/10
Croatia
Danijel Subasic – Saw four goals go past him, although he can’t be blamed for the first two with a deflection and a penalty that he went the wrong way for. He was caught out by Pogba’s second strike having just moved the other way for the initial attempt, while he was possibly unsighted for Mbappe’s goal. 6/10
Sime Vrsaljko – Looked a dangerous threat playing high up the pitch, although as the game went on that became a problem as France looked to strike on the counter. 6/10
Dejan Lovren – Didn’t have the pace to deal with France’s threat on the break and really struggled on the big stage. Had a chance at the other end with a strike blocked by Pogba following a free kick. 5/10
Domagoj Vida – The stronger of the defenders, standing up to Giroud and doing his best to deal with Mbappe’s pace, although it turned out to be a lonely pursuit. He had some half-chances to score but couldn’t convert. 6/10
Ivan Strinic – He’s been struggling with injury in the last few games but started the final and looked a threat down the wing, although like the other full-back that was as much a negative as positive. 6/10
Marcelo Brozovic – Made one crucial interception when Mbappe looked set to score, but apart from that he was largely absent as he was left on his own in the midfield when France hit them on the counter. 5/10
Ante Rebic – Struggled to create much down the right, although he did have a good chance of his own when played in behind that was tipped over by Lloris. 5/10
Ivan Rakitic – Kept possession really well as you would expect but he simply wasn’t the creative influence that Croatia needed him to be. The only chances he had himself came too late in the game. 6/10
Luka Modric – The Golden Ball winner played well in moving the ball around, but he couldn’t create an opportunity in open play as France’s shape frustrated them and the best chances all came through his set pieces. 7/10
Ivan Perisic – Croatia’s brightest player was really threatening in the first half in particular, culminating in a really well taken goal to bring his side level. The penalty decision against him was very harsh to say the least. 7/10
Mario Mandzukic – There was plenty of wide service from Croatia but it never seemed to reach the head of their centre forward. He was unlucky to see Griezmann’s free kick come off his head and in for an own goal, but he made up in sorts with the pressure that forced Lloris’ howler. 6/10
Andrej Kramaric – Had more than 20 minutes off the bench to make an impact but didn’t really get a chance. 5/10
Marko Pjaca – Looked bright in the final ten minutes after coming on but it was too late to make a difference. 6/10
Box-to-box journalist 