World Cup 2018: France beat Croatia to take trophy after 20 years

World
Europe

02:15

Football now, France has won the World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining and memorable final. The victory means Didier Deschamps becomes just the third person to win the trophy as both a player and a coach. CGTN's Dan Williams has the story from Moscow.

After a month of football --63 matches-- the 32 teams that began Russia 2018 had been whittled down to the final two. Both Croatia and France fans arrived at Moscow Luzhniki stadium confident of being crowned World champions. For Croatia, a country with a population of just over four million people, there was a sense their side was on the verge of achieving something special.

"I think we have a football team which give everything, their heart and everything for our country to represent us."

French fans arrived knowing their side was the clear favorite and were already in the mood to party.

"Of course we win the game, three-zero."

"France is going to win. They will beat Croatia easily 2-0."

Thousands of football fans crammed into the FIFA fan fest to witness the finale. It quickly turned into a classic. And in the end, it was the French fans who were celebrating - a 4-2 victory, their second World Cup triumph.

"They played very well. And the best supporters are the Croatians, but it is us who are taking home the World Cup, and that is what counts. We are the world champions!"

"It was an incredible game. Goosebumps all over the place. I am just happy we are champions now."

DAN WILLIAMS MOSCOW "Disappointment then for Croatia. Although they will return home as national heroes following that incredible run to the final. But the World Cup trophy is on its way to France once again. And for their fans, the party is just beginning. Dan Williams, CGTN, Moscow."