France has once again proven their extravagant credentials after smashing Croatia with a 4-2 defeat and sealing their second world cup win at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. It was the first time the Croatian football team had reached a world cup final but were bludgeoned by the world cup favorites, France. It was a thrilling contest between the two but France triumphed though the last hurdle after their mid-field sensations Pogba and Mbappe pulled off the win with their brilliant finishing skills. France entered the tournament as one of the world cup favourites and had the most talented youngsters in their squad. As a matter of fact, they had the youngest team of all the nations in the competition which just goes on to show you once more that age is just a mere number and not a barrier to one’s true potential.
After dominating throughout the whole tournament, it was not a hard decision for the critiques to predict France on becoming the 2018 world cup winners as they stepped into the breath taking Stadium of Luzhniki at the heart of Moscow. France had a handful players who performed exceedingly well and played with magnificent athletism. The FIFA world cup 2018 was a tournament that defied predictions and expectations. However, one thing remained eminent throughout the 31 day competition, and that was the passion and determination exhibited by the players and the continued support that the fans manifested for them.
After the final whistle was heard, the squad gathered and lifted their coach Deschamps at mid air whilst fireworks and French flags enlightened the stadium. After receiving the precious trophy from the FIFA president and shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the French President Emanuel Macron and the Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović respectively, the players sprinted towards their fans launching themselves in the sodden grass in pure ecstasy. They had reached their destination, right at the top of the world. They had embedded their names among the greats as Kylian Mbappe became the second teenager to score in the breathless 90 mintues of the finals following Pele.
France might argue that they should have scored more goals in the tournament or might have played in a more adventurous style. Perhaps it could have been more entertaining that way. As the world cup rests withing the core of the French football team for the next four years, we will surely find out how this team envisages in the future.
Article by: Farhan Azim, IX.