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As it happenedended

World Cup final 2018 LIVE France vs Croatia: France win the World Cup after six-goal thriller with Croatia - as it happened

Follow all the latest action from the World Cup final in Moscow

Molly Hudson
Sunday 15 July 2018 15:12 EDT
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Pitch invaders interrupt play in World Cup final clash between France and Croatia

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France won the World Cup for the second time in their history after defeating Croatia 4-2 in a dramatic and controversial final in Moscow.

In a match that just about had everything, France became only the sixth nation to win the World Cup more than once, with Croatia missing out on the opportunity to win their first world crown. With six goals, a VAR-awarded penalty, a politically-motivated pitch invasion and one of te youngest squads to achieve greatest, there was no shortage of talking points.

France took the lead when Mario Mandzukic headed into his own net only for Ivan Perisic to bring the game to life with an equaliser. However, he was penalised for handball in his own area and Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty, before Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe completed the win for France - though captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris still had time for a howler to gift Croatia a consolation goal.

Re-live the action below...


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What time is it?

The World Cup final will kick-off at 16:00 BST at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown on BBC and ITV as well as BBC Sport website/iPlayer. BBC’s coverage will begin at 15:00 BST while ITV’s starts at 14:55 BST.

Prediction

France 2-1 Croatia (AET). This will be closer than people think as Croatia will have nothing but solid belief considering their route to the final, whereas France will have the doubts in the back of their mind from what happened at Euro 2016.

Odds

France: 9/10

Croatia: 4/1

Draw (after 90 minutes): 9/4

A penny for the thoughts of Kylian Mbappe. 19 years of age, in a World Cup final, not just as a squad player, but a genuine leader, someone the players around him would look to if Croatia nicked an early goal.

Whatever the result here Mbappe has a huge future ahead of him, and will likely go on to become the best player in the world. The stage is set, though, for a defining moment in his career.

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 15:50

Chelsea's players were key in yesterday's bronze medal match, how important will these two be this afternoon? 

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 15:52

The teams are walking out, the nerves jangling, this is the biggest moment of their careers. The packed Luzhniki Stadium is in fine voice and looks a resplendent venue.

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 15:55

A late injury scare for Samuel Umtiti?

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 15:56

Of course, those in attendance at the Luzhniki have also enjoyed the World Cup closing ceremony.

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 15:58

KICK OFF: Croatia get us underway in their first ever World Cup final

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 16:00

2 mins: Croatia trying to press France and Umtiti draws a free kick from Modric. Both sides trying to get a feel of the ball and the atmosphere early on. 

Expect the unexpected, anything can happen in 90 minutes.

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 16:02

3 mins: One clash that could prove pivotal is Pavard vs Perisic. The latter gets the better of the opening exchange, the more experienced figure should have more big game experience.

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 16:03

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 16:04

5 mins: Against the odds, Croatia have made the better start. Rakitic spraying some beautiful balls out wide, and that's an area where Croatia may be able to unsettle France, stretching them from side to side

Molly Hudson15 July 2018 16:05

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