How well do you remember the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia in Russia? in 2025.
Table of Contents
The 2018 FIFA World Cup final, contested between France and Croatia on July 15, 2018, at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, is a memorable chapter in football history. This quiz revisits key moments and details of that match, challenging your recall of the events that led to France’s second World Cup title.
1. Match Kick-off and Initial Moments How well do you
- Q1: At what local time did the 2018 World Cup final kick off?
- a) 3:00 PM
- b) 4:00 PM
- c) 5:00 PM
- d) 6:00 PM
2. First Goal Incident How well do you
- Q2: Who inadvertently scored the opening goal of the match?
- a) Ivan Perišić
- b) Mario Mandžukić
- c) Antoine Griezmann
- d) Paul Pogba
- Q3: In which minute did the first goal occur?
- a) 15th
- b) 18th
- c) 22nd
- d) 25th
3. Equalizer and Controversial Decision How well do you
- Q4: Who scored Croatia’s equalizing goal?
- a) Luka Modrić
- b) Ivan Perišić
- c) Andrej Kramarić
- d) Ivan Rakitić
- Q5: What controversial decision did referee Néstor Pitana make after consulting VAR?
- a) Awarded a penalty to Croatia
- b) Disallowed a French goal
- c) Issued a red card to a French player
- d) Awarded a penalty to France
4. Second-Half Goals How well do you
- Q6: Which French player scored the team’s third goal?
- a) Kylian Mbappé
- b) Paul Pogba
- c) Antoine Griezmann
- d) Blaise Matuidi
- Q7: At what distance from the goal did Kylian Mbappé score his goal?
- a) Inside the six-yard box
- b) Just outside the penalty area
- c) 25 yards
- d) 35 yards
5. Croatia’s Consolation Goal How well do you
- Q8: How did Hugo Lloris contribute to Croatia’s second goal?
- a) Saved a penalty kick
- b) Passed the ball to a Croatian player
- c) Attempted to dribble past Mandžukić, resulting in a block and goal
- d) Committed a foul leading to a free-kick goal
6. Key Match Statistics How well do you
- Q9: Which French player was named Man of the Match?
- a) Kylian Mbappé
- b) Paul Pogba
- c) Antoine Griezmann
- d) Hugo Lloris
- Q10: At what age did Kylian Mbappé become the second-youngest player to score in a World Cup final?
- a) 17 years, 249 days
- b) 18 years, 207 days
- c) 19 years, 207 days
- d) 20 years, 150 days
7. Post-Match Honors How well do you
- Q11: Who was awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball for the tournament’s outstanding player?
- a) Luka Modrić
- b) Kylian Mbappé
- c) Antoine Griezmann
- d) Paul Pogba
- Q12: Which French player announced his retirement from international duty in October 2024?
- a) Paul Pogba
- b) Antoine Griezmann
- c) Hugo Lloris
- d) Kylian Mbappé
8. Managerial Developments How well do you
- Q13: Who was the manager of the French national team during the 2018 World Cup?
- a) Zinedine Zidane
- b) Didier Deschamps
- c) Laurent Blanc
- d) Didier Drogba
- Q14: In January 2025, Didier Deschamps announced he would leave his role after which
Certainly, let’s delve deeper into the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia, exploring the match’s context, pivotal moments, player performances, and the broader impact of the tournament.
Tournament Journey How well do you
France’s Path to the Final: How well do you
France entered the 2018 World Cup as one of the tournament’s favorites, boasting a squad rich in talent. They topped Group C with two wins and a draw, setting the tone for their campaign. In the Round of 16, France faced Argentina in a thrilling match that ended 4-3 in their favor, showcasing their attacking prowess. The quarter-final against Uruguay was a test of resilience, with France emerging victorious 2-0. Their semi-final clash with Belgium was a tactical battle, decided by a single goal, demonstrating France’s defensive solidity and strategic play.
Croatia’s Road to the Final: How well do you
Croatia’s World Cup journey was nothing short of remarkable. They topped Group D with three wins, displaying consistent form. The Round of 16 match against Denmark was a nerve-wracking affair, ending in a 1-1 draw, with Croatia prevailing 3-2 in the penalty shootout. The quarter-final against Russia saw Croatia overcome the host nation in another penalty shootout, highlighting their mental toughness. In the semi-final, Croatia’s resilience shone through as they came from behind to defeat England 2-1 after extra time, securing their first-ever World Cup final appearance.
Match Overview How well do you
First Half:
The final kicked off under a clear sky, with both teams eager to make their mark. Croatia started the match with intensity, dominating possession and creating early chances. However, against the run of play, France took the lead in the 18th minute. A free kick from Griezmann led to an own goal by Mario Mandžukić, marking the first own goal in a World Cup final. Croatia responded tenaciously, and in the 28th minute, Ivan Perišić leveled the score with a precise low shot. The turning point came in the 38th minute when referee Néstor Pitana, after consulting VAR, awarded France a penalty for a handball by Perišić. Griezmann converted, giving France a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Second Half:
The second half saw France capitalize on their momentum. In the 59th minute, Paul Pogba scored from outside the box, his initial shot saved but converted on the rebound, extending France’s lead to 3-1. Kylian Mbappé added a fourth in the 65th minute with a powerful shot from 25 yards, becoming the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, after Pelé in 1958. Croatia’s persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Mandžukić seized on a Lloris error to pull one back. Despite their efforts, Croatia couldn’t overcome the deficit, and France clinched the title with a 4-2 victory.
Player Performances How well do you
France:
- Hugo Lloris: The French captain’s leadership was pivotal throughout the tournament. Despite the error leading to Croatia’s second goal, Lloris’s overall performances were crucial to France’s success.
- Paul Pogba: Pogba’s dynamic midfield displays were instrumental. His goal in the final exemplified his influence in both defensive and attacking phases.
- Kylian Mbappé: The young forward’s electrifying pace and skill made him one of the tournament’s standout performers. His goal in the final underscored his potential on the world stage.
Croatia:
- Luka Modrić: The midfield maestro orchestrated Croatia’s play, earning the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. His vision and passing were central to Croatia’s historic run.
- Ivan Perišić: Perišić’s versatility and knack for scoring were evident throughout the tournament. His goal in the final highlighted his importance to the team.
- Danijel Subašić: The goalkeeper’s performances, especially in penalty shootouts, were vital to Croatia’s progression. His saves against Russia were particularly memorable.
Tactical Insights How well do you
France’s tactical approach combined solid defense with swift counter-attacking play. Manager Didier Deschamps utilized a balanced formation, allowing key players like Pogba and Griezmann to influence the game. Croatia, under Zlatko Dalić, favored possession-based football, controlling the tempo and creating numerous chances. However, the lack of a clinical finisher at times hindered their ability to convert dominance into goals.
Broader Impact How well do you
The 2018 World Cup showcased the global nature of football, with diverse teams reaching the latter stages. Croatia’s journey to the final was a testament to their growth as a footballing nation, inspiring many with their resilience and skill. France’s victory highlighted the effectiveness of nurturing young talent, with players like Mbappé emerging as global stars.
Post-Tournament Developments How well do you
The tournament had lasting effects on both nations. France’s success bolstered the nation’s footballing infrastructure, inspiring a new generation of players. Croatia’s performance elevated the sport’s profile, leading to increased investment and interest in football. Both teams’ journeys emphasized the importance of youth development and tactical innovation.
Conclusion How well do you
The 2018 FIFA World Cup final was a captivating spectacle, blending drama, skill, and emotion. France’s triumph was a culmination of strategic planning, player development, and cohesive team dynamics. Croatia’s valiant efforts left an indelible mark on the tournament, earning them respect and admiration worldwide. The legacy of this World Cup continues to influence the global football landscape, inspiring both players and fans alike.
