That was a really ridiculous World Cup final. After getting extra time and a total of four goals at the last three World Cup finals, the 2018 event was a bit of magic theater. (“Not for everybody.”)
Shameful dives, disastrous own goals, contentious handballs/use of VAR, horrendous goalkeeping, set pieces, never say die attitudes, blistering Kylian Mbappe pace and a couple really good goals — this final was just a microcosm of the 2018 World Cup.
Matchday One | Matchday Two | Matchday Three | Matchday Four | Matchday Five | Matchday Six | Matchday Seven | Matchday Eight | Matchday Nine | Matchday 10 | Matchday 11 | Matchday 12 | Matchday 13 | Matchday 14 | Matchday 15 | Matchday 16 | Matchday 17 | Matchday 18 | Matchday 19 | Matchday 20 | Matchday 21 | Matchday 22 | Matchday 23 | Matchday 24
Heroes and Villains of the World Cup: The End
Hero: Paul Pogba (France)
With N’Golo Kante earning a booking in the 27th minute and getting hooked in the 55th, Pogba had to do it all for France. Just like the Belgium match, Pogba put in an absolute shift on the defensive side of the ball — he led France in both tackles (four) and interceptions (two).
Les Bleus didn’t have much of the ball and Pogba only completed 30 passes, but he played an instrumental role in both starting and finishing the third goal, which turned out to be the match-winner.
#MundialTelemundo ¿Gol de campeonato? @paulpogba aumenta la ventaja y #FRA pone una mano sobre la Copa del Mundo. pic.twitter.com/JSV2gEsNmB
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 15, 2018
And we all called it a “tough” year for Pogba. The Internet is full of clowns.
#MundialTelemundo ¡ #FRA es el Campeón! Épica celebración tras conseguir su segunda Copa del Mundo. pic.twitter.com/sy4hJQIO5n
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 15, 2018
Honorable mention: Didier Deschamps (France)
Deschamps delivered France its second World Cup title by getting the most from the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, but he should also be praised for putting his trust in Kylian Mbappe (19), Benjamin Pavard (22), Lucas Hernandez (22) and Corentin Tolisso (23).
The French players invade Didier Deschamps' press conference after the #WorldCupFinal. pic.twitter.com/2uXwPFXbRA
— Bhargab Sarmah (@BhargabSarmah) July 15, 2018
Villain: Danijel Subasic (Croatia)
A lot of people are questioning the fitness of Subasic after the keeper stayed rooted to the spot on long-range second half goals from Pogba and Mbappe. Neither of the shots flew into the corner, and while Subasic might’ve been slightly screened on Mbappe’s, he just looked slow and flat-footed on both.
#MundialTelemundo @KMbappe no se quería ir sin su anotación y marca su cuarto gol de Rusia 2018. pic.twitter.com/NA1jgU5gip
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 15, 2018
In the end, Subasic recorded three saves and allowed four goals. Not a great day at the office.
Honorable mention: Ante Rebic (Croatia)
This is more on me, but I thought Rebic was primed for a decisive game going up against Blaise Matuidi and Lucas Hernandez. However, he looked exhausted, particularly in the second half. He’s been one of the tournament’s revelations, but the final was probably his worst game.
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