Croatia in the 2018 World Cup Final: A Heroic Battle and Controversies That Shook the World!
On this day in 2018, Croatia achieved one of the greatest successes in its sports history – reaching the FIFA World Cup final! But was it just a glorious story or a drama full of controversies and injustices?
Heroes on the Field The Croatian national team, led by Zlatko Dalić, took the field at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium with strength and heart. The starting eleven were Danijel Subašić, Šime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinić, Marcelo Brozović, Ivan Rakitić, Luka Modrić, Ante Rebić, Ivan Perišić, and Mario Mandžukić. Later, Andrej Kramarić and Marko Pjaca came on.
Drama and Controversies The match was a true drama! France took the lead with an own goal by Mario Mandžukić, but Croatia quickly equalized with a goal from Ivan Perišić. However, the refereeing decisions sparked a storm of dissatisfaction. In the 38th minute, Argentine referee Néstor Pitana awarded a penalty to France for an alleged handball by Perišić, which caused huge debates – was the penalty justified or not?
France then scored two more goals through Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé, while Mandžukić managed to reduce the deficit.
After the Match After the game, a heavy downpour began, as if the sky was crying with Croatia. Still, Luka Modrić was awarded the tournament’s best player, and the next day, the silver medalists received a spectacular welcome in Zagreb.
Why Does It Matter? This match is not just a sporting event but a symbol of struggle, pride, and national unity. Croatia showed the world that a small country with a huge heart and talent can reach the top. But did the refereeing decisions spoil the true outcome? Debates continue to this day, and fans still defend their heroes.
If you thought football is just a game, think again! This match proves football is much more – it’s drama, politics, emotions, and, of course, inevitable controversies.
What about you? Whose side are you on? Did Croatia deserve more? Or was France better? Drop a comment, spark a debate, and show who you root for!
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