It’s all over – France have beaten Croatia 4-2 to win their second World Cup, two decades after their only previous success in the competition. Assorted members of Pussy Riot invaded the pitch early in the second half, saying in a statement that it was “cool here” on the pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium. Having seen them being carried off the pitch by security goons, I can’t help but wonder how “cool” it is in their current lodgings, wherever they might be.
France have won the World Cup final, seeing off a valiant effort by Croatia in the process. Here’s your opportunity to see how history will remember the winners and losers.
Here’s our snap on-the-whistle report from the Luzhniki Stadium, which will be replaced by that of our Chief Football Correspondent Daniel Taylor just as soon as he draws breath.
France seal second World Cup triumph with 4-2 win over brave Croatia
It was high-scoring for a World Cup final, with six goals in total. One was an own goal, one came from a highly ducious penalty and a third came on the back of a hideous goalkeeping rick. The other three, scored by Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Ivan Perisic were quite outstanding and fit to grace any World Cup final.
France are the world champions: Didier Deschamps celebrates with his overjoyed players as their fans cut loose in the stands and in the streets and squares of France.
For Croatia, it’s a boulevard of broken dreams, but they can go home with their heads held high. They dominated this match for long periods, putting France under immense pressure. France enjoyed a bit of luck but were ultimately worthy winners. As Dider Deschamps gets the bumps from his players, Antoine Griezmann stands to one side weeping salty tears of joy.