Sportsnet.ca http://sportsnet.ca/soccer/world-cup-2018/feed/ Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:08:21 EDT en-US hourly 1 franceb720 World Cup The good, bad and ugly from the World Cup in Russia Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:31:01 EDT Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:38:41 EDT John Molinaro From the magnificent Luka Modric to the conniving Neymar – and everything in between – Sportsnet takes a look back at the best and worst from the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

]]> With the FIFA World Cup done and dusted, this is the perfect time to look back and pick out the best and worst moments from the past month in Russia.

BEST PLAYER

Luka Modric, Croatia: Real Madrid’s midfield maestro put in a string of excellent performances in Russia, with one man-of-the-match effort after another, especially in Croatia’s dramatic win over the host nation in the quarterfinals. The Croatia captain ran himself ragged, and covered more ground than any other player in the tournament, and was justifiably given the Golden Ball, the award that goes to the tournament’s best player. It is the second consecutive World Cup where the honour went to a member of the losing finalist, after Lionel Messi was awarded it in Brazil 2014.

BEST ELEVEN (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Defenders: Jose Gimenez (Uruguay), Diego Godin (Uruguay) and Raphael Varane (France).

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), N’Golo Kante (France), Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) and Luka Modric (Croatia).

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (France), Ivan Perisic (Croatia) and Eden Hazard (Belgium).

BEST GAME

June 15 – Portugal 3, Spain 3 in Sochi: One of the best group stage games in recent memory, offering plenty of entertainment and drama in a six-goal thriller. And who doesn’t enjoy seeing a Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick, amirite? (Well, maybe Lionel Messi fans.) This was touted one of the marquee matches to watch in the first round, and it more than lived up to all of the pre-tournament hype.

BEST GOAL

June 26 – Nigeria 1, Argentina 2 in Saint Petersburg: Early in the first half, Argentina’s Ever Banega played a perfect long pass from the centre line over the top of Nigeria’s defence for a streaking Messi. The Barcelona man took the ball in full stride, cushioning it with his thigh and then his left foot before hammering a powerful right-footed shot across the goal and into the back of the net. A sublime ball by Banega, and even better control and a finish by Messi to open the scoring in an eventual Argentina win.

BEST OVERALL MOMENT

June 24 – England 6, Panama 1 in Nizhny: Down 6-0, Felipe Baloy poked the ball home off a free kick in the 78th minute to score Panama’s first-ever goal at the World Cup. You’d have thought Panama, making its tournament debut, had won the World Cup by the wild and passionate celebrations from its supporters in the stands.

BEST SAVE

July 3 – Colombia 1, England 1 in Moscow: In the penalty shootout with the score tied 2-2 after four shots, Colombia’s Carlos Bacca stepped up to the spot in an attempt to give his country the lead and force England to score. Bacca went down the left with a powerful shot, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford turned it away, making a diving stop with his left hand.

BIGGEST UPSET

June 17 – Germany 0, Mexico 1 in Moscow: The biggest shocker of the tournament saw Mexico strike a blow for CONCACAF pride by knocking off Germany, the World Cup holders and the overwhelming favourite coming into this competition. It was the Germans’s first World Cup defeat since dropping a 1-0 decision to Spain in the 2010 semifinals, and they become the third consecutive reigning champion who failed to win its opening match.

BEST STAT

BIGGEST FLOP: TEAM

Germany: Who expected the reigning World Cup champions would bow out in the group stage? A loss to modest South Korea in their final match ensured the holders crashed out of the tournament. Germany became the third consecutive reigning World Cup champion to fail to advance out of the group stage, joining Italy (in 2010) and Spain (in 2014). France also bowed out in the group stage in 2002.

BIGGEST FLOP: PLAYER

Toni Kroos, Germany: Yes, he scored that injury-time winner against Sweden that revitalized Germany’s hopes. But the Real Madrid star, rightly considered one of the best midfielders in the game today, was far from his top form throughout the tournament. He looked pedestrian at times, committed some uncharacteristically poor passes, and was routinely sloppy in possession.

BIGGEST DISSAPOINTMENT

No more Messi and Ronaldo: Argentina and Portugal were both eliminated on the same day within hours of one another. Lionel Messi will be 34 when the 2022 World Cup in Qatar rolls around, while Ronaldo will be 37. Neither of them have said whether or not they plan to continue to play international soccer. But considering their ages, and the huge demands they face with their pro clubs, that they’ve more than likely played in their last World Cup. What a shame.

BIGGEST DISGRACE

July 2 – Brazil 2, Mexico 0 in Samara: Neymar scored off a lovely setup from Willian to give Brazil a 1-0 lead early in the second half. He then turned provider, crossing for Robert Firmino who scored to seal victory for Brazil. But with 20 minutes left in regulation, Neymar writhed in exaggerated pain on the touchline after his right ankle was stepped on by Miguel Layun. There was barely anything in it, although it should have been called a foul. It wasn’t, and maybe that’s because the referee didn’t appreciate Neymar’s histrionics in trying to sell it as though Layun viciously stamped on his ankle. To see Neymar carry on as if his ankle was about to tear off from his leg was pure comedy.

BEST TWEET

BEST QUOTE

“We are virgins, we have been born before the due date, we are debutants. We have to celebrate what we have done here.” – Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez, after his team’s 6-1 loss to England.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article france720 World Cup World Cup Daily: France rules the soccer world again Sun, 15 Jul 2018 14:34:15 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:31:54 EDT John Molinaro It took 20 years – and a loss in a final featuring an infamous head butt – but France is back on top of the hill as World Cup champions.

]]> After each matchday of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Sportsnet.ca’s World Cup Daily blog will recap the day’s events, and look ahead to the next day’s slate of games.

Here’s what happened on Sunday, in case you missed it…

THE RESULT

France 4, Croatia 2 in Moscow: Match report || match stats

MAIN TALKING POINT

France back on top after two decades
It took 20 years – and a loss in a final featuring an infamous head butt – but France is back on top of the hill as World Cup champions. Sunday’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow gave Les Bleus its second title, matching Uruguay and Argentina as two-time winners. In defeating Croatia, France also ensured the exclusivity of World Cup winners: Only eight nations have ever won the most prestigious event in all of sports since the inaugural tournament was held in 1930.

This was hardly a vintage French side, hardly a team that sent heartbeats racing – although teenager Kylian Mbappé routinely provided moments of brilliance, as he did with his long-range goal in the second half that sealed the win over Croatia. This French team won’t be mentioned in the same breath as the great Brazil side of 1970, the Paolo Rossi-inspired Italy of 1982, or even the 1998 French team, led by Zinedine Zidane. Didier Deschamp’s France was more practical than poetic, more solid than swashbuckling, and more conservative than creative.

But there can be no question that it was the best team throughout this tournament, Sunday’s result merely serving as the final and inevitable confirmation.

From Mbappé’s dynamic play, to the industrious work of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in midfield, to the steadiness of Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti in central defence, to the ruthlessness of forward Antoine Griezmann, this France side was the complete package, as balanced as any team to have won the World Cup in recent memory.

Deschamps was harangued by his legions of critics at this World Cup who pleaded with him to release the hand break and give his attacking players the freedom and license to follow their natural instincts. At times, Les Bleus looked to be stuck in neutral, afraid to shift into a higher gear.

But the French manager ended up having the last laugh, as it was all a part of his master plan – he understood the importance of the team collective, and of players fitting into the overall system. In the end, he was rewarded for sticking to his tactical guns.

Croatia did itself proud in Russia
Full credit mist be given to France for winning Sunday’s final, and for its tournament management, especially during the knockout stages. But spare a thought for Croatia, who were just as brilliant at this World Cup, especially Luka Modric, who won the tournament MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the best midfielders in the world and a leading contender to win the Ballon d’Or.

Before Sunday’s final in Moscow, Croatia trailed in three consecutive knockout games. All three times it came from behind to win, a testament to its resiliency, character and hard work. It can be a very cruel game at times, and legitimate argument can be made that while France was the better team in this tournament, Croatia was the better side in the final on the balance of play.

The French took the lead through an own goal, and Griezmann’s penalty (in the 38th) was France’s first shot of any kind in this match. Croatia dictated the pace of play for long stretches, and enjoyed 61 per cent possession when all was said and done.

Croatia will feel hard done by, but it has nothing to be ashamed about. They went one better than the famous Croatia side featuring Davor Suker that reached the semifinals in 1998. That team inspired a generation of new Croatian players, much like this one will for future generations.

BEST GOAL

In the 65th minute, France’s Lucas Hernandez made a probing run down the left wing and then dished the ball off to Mbappé. The French teenager took full advantage of the space given to him by Croatia’s Domagoj Vida and hit a gorgeous shot from 25 yards out that left goalkeeper Danijel Subasic rooted to the ground.

BEST SAVE

In the 48th minute, Croatia’s Ante Rebic latched onto a through ball played into the box and rifled a powerful shot on net, only to see French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris make a spectacular leaping save to deflect it over his crossbar.

BEST MOMENT

France hoisting the World Cup trophy, bringing to an end a month of great soccer in Russia.

SIX PACK OF STATS

• At 19 years and 207 days, Mbappé is the third-youngest player to appear in a World Cup final, after Pelé in 1958 (17 years and 249 days) and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 (18 years and 201 days).

• Mbappé is also the second-youngest goal scorer in a World Cup final, after Pelé in 1958.

• Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic is the first player to ever score an own goal in a World Cup final.

• This World Cup final featured the most first-half goals since 1974 (West Germany 2, Netherlands 1).

• Deschamps is only the third person to win a World Cup both as a player (1998) and a manager (2018), joining Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer of West Germany.

• Varane is only the fourth player to win the World Cup and the Champions League in the same season, after Christian Karembeu in 1998 (France and Real Madrid), Roberto Carlos in 2002 (Brazil and Real Madrid), and Sami Khedira in 2014 (Germany and Real Madrid).

Stats courtesy of Opta

THREE STARS

1) Paul Pogba, France: Scored the goal that stood up as the winner, and provided the French with a solidifying presence in midfield.

2) Kylian Mbappé, France: The French teenager scored one of the best goals of the tournament, and used his speed to torment Croatia’s back line.

3) Ivan Perisic, Croatia: Scored the first-half equalizer to swing momentum back in his side’s favour, and was a constant attacking threat for Croatia.

ELSEWHERE ON THE WEB

Shaker Samman of The Ringer offers this wonderful history of French soccer, including France’s last trip to the World Cup final:

The lasting image from France’s last trip to the World Cup final is not of a goal, or a save, or any other act of footballing brilliance. It’s of a man pulling the tape from his right wrist as he walks past the trophy, not once making eye contact, before slowly descending into the locker room, never to return again.

It’s been 12 years since Zinedine Zidane retired. With him went the next decade of French success. Each international tournament Les Bleus entered in that time started with high hopes, and ended with disaster — a far cry from the exceptional record they experienced with Zizou at the helm. Win or lose, the 2006 World Cup final was to be the legend’s finale. He was, by all accounts, the best athlete in the history of France, and quite possibly the greatest midfielder to ever live.

Ask any five fans to tell you what they posit is his peak international performance, and you’ll likely get as many different responses: his title-winning performance against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final; his deconstruction of Portugal in the Euro 2000 semifinal; his utter destruction of England in the 2004 edition, when he sent two stoppage-time goals past David James; his dissection of Spain in the 2006 World Cup round of 16; or four days later, when Zidane put forth one of the best individual performances the global game has ever seen.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article Matthias Schrader/AP france1280 Twitter Reaction: France wins second World Cup in 20 years Sun, 15 Jul 2018 14:00:19 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:32:00 EDT Sportsnet Staff For the second time in 20 years, France is reigning atop the the soccer world. Here’s how Twitter celebrated.

]]> For the second time in 20 years, France is reigning atop the the soccer world.

Defeating Croatia 4-2 on Sunday to win the 2018 World Cup, this was a young, talented French squad that played with pace and excitement and had many all over Twitter in its corner as the game progressed.

Here are some of the highlights from how the social media platform celebrated France’s victory:

https://twitter.com/Futbol_Matrix/status/1018541480363937792

https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro/status/1018531722244190210

https://twitter.com/omoissy/status/1018551070010826752

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article 19439534 Decisive Paul Pogba helps France win 2018 World Cup Sun, 15 Jul 2018 14:35:58 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:31:57 EDT Peter Galindo And thus ends one of the most thrilling World Cups in recent memory. France exit Russia as the world champions for a second time, while Croatia can hold their heads high after a historic run. Here are three winners and three losers from the 2018 World Cup final.

]]> And thus ends one of the most thrilling World Cups in recent memory.

France leaves Russia as the world champions for a second time. Croatia, who troubled the French throughout Sunday’s game, can hold their heads high after a historic run.

Here are three winners and three losers from the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

WINNERS

Paul Pogba
With France leading 2-1, and Croatia mounting pressure to start the second half, France’s midfield was overwhelmed.

N’Golo Kante was on a booking and was clearly hampered by the yellow card. Just when it appeared that Croatia was set to equalize for a second time, up stepped Paul Pogba.

The Manchester United star, in his own defensive third, lifted his head and sent a perfect long pass down the right wing for Kylian Mbappe. Pogba immediately sprinted forward, Griezmann picked him out at the top of the box and he thrashed his shot into an open pocket of the goal to give France a 3-1 lead.

It was a hammer blow for Croatia. Mbappe scored a few minutes later against a defence that was still reeling from Pogba’s moment of brilliance. Not only did it alleviate the pressure on the French, it stood as the winning goal.

In a match where France’s midfield struggled to gain control of the ball, mainly due to Croatia’s pressing, Pogba was still lethal in possession, even when he was forced to launch his passes.

Defensively, Pogba remained vigilant. He completed a team-high four tackles and seven ball recoveries.

The fact that Pogba was defensively astute throughout the World Cup and still influenced games in the final third shows that he is an elite player. If he produces this consistently at the club level, then he’ll reach the lofty heights he’s been expected to hit.

Luka Modric
Luka Modric: The 2018 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

For a sixth straight tournament, the award was handed out to player from a team that didn’t win the World Cup. But like others before him, Modric was arguably the most influential player for his side.

Even in defeat, with the pressure at its highest, Modric still ran the show.

If not for a questionable free kick, a controversial penalty and some suspect goalkeeping from Danijel Subasic, perhaps Modric would’ve significantly bolstered his case for the 2018 Ballon d’Or.

Didier Deschamps
There were many critics of France coach Didier Deschamps before the tournament. This writer was one of them.

To his credit, though, Deschamps has managed the egos of his world-class stars, had them sacrificing for the betterment of the team and they completely bought into his system.

It wasn’t particularly enthralling but it worked. France had four clean sheets at the World Cup, two in the knockout stage and the defence never looked under duress.

Deschamps may still be criticized or labelled a “lucky coach” but all he has to do is show a photo of France lifting the World Cup to silence those claims.

LOSERS

Set-piece defending
Set pieces were a major factor in the final’s first three goals. Even the handball leading to Antoine Griezmann’s penalty came off a corner kick.

All three of the deliveries troubled the opposing defence. The Croatians were almost late in reacting to the ball from Griezmann prior to the Mario Mandzukic own goal. Then France failed to clear Luka Modric’s pass before Ivan Perisic levelled the score. It occurred again when Perisic was adjudged to have handled the ball illegally.

Poor communication usually leads to those situations. In France’s case, it didn’t ultimately hurt their chances. But it proved lethal for Croatia.

The goalkeepers
Again, Hugo Lloris’s howler didn’t really affect the final outcome and Danijel Subasic’s questionable goalkeeping could’ve led to a different result.

That doesn’t change the fact that this wasn’t exactly a goalkeeping clinic. Subasic, possibly screened by his defenders, left the entire right side of his goal open for Paul Pogba for the third French goal. Then Mbappe’s goal sneaked underneath him, but it was a pretty tame shot.

Right before Mbappe shot the ball, it was evident that Subasic was not set for the strike. He is more upright when he should be jockeying, which gives him more power in his legs to jump across the goal and obviously keeps him closer to the ground.

As Mbappe’s releases the shot, Subasic is practically standing. This means he has to reach down even further, with no momentum, and it allows the ball to creep underneath him.

The Croatian defence should have made a better effort to close down both Pogba and Mbappe, but Subasic did himself no favours, either.

Nestor Pitana
The decision from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials to check if Ivan Perisic handled the ball late in the first half was a blasphemous choice.

It was even more bizarre that the match referee, Nestor Pitana, deemed it to be a deliberate handling of the ball and a “clear and obvious” error, which is when VAR is supposed to be used.

This is why the FIFA law stating a “deliberate” handling of the ball in the box leads to a penalty is so controversial. It’s a subjective rule, so therefore, it should not be reviewed.

The awarding of that penalty led to a crucial goal right before halftime. That dramatically changes the momentum of a final, which cannot be the case.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article 19438411 France crowned champions at storyline filled 2018 World Cup Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:04:17 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:32:55 EDT Sportsnet Video The Soccer Central panel discuss some of the best storylines that played out at a wild 2018 World Cup.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 videohttp://sportsnet.rogersdigitalmedia.com.edgesuite.net/bcassets/1704050871/201807/2697/1704050871_5809545942001_5809566094001-th.jpg?pubId=1704050871Sportsnet Video bc-video Natacha Pisarenko/AP Paul-Pogba Tying a bow on a largely entertaining World Cup Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:06:47 EDT Mon, 16 Jul 2018 11:06:47 EDT Sportsnet Staff Sportsnet’s chief soccer reporter John Molinaro shares his thoughts on a rather unsatisfying World Cup Final, whether the quality of the Russian World Cup makes him more optimistic with FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament, which French player stood out, surprises & disappointments from the tourney, why he believed in Croatia before the event kicked off, the job done by the host country, and if it’s still practical to believe Toronto FC will make the postseason.

]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 4137243audioSportsnet Staff sn-audio france720 World Cup This World Cup has been about the teams, not the super-stars Mon, 16 Jul 2018 08:18:58 EDT Mon, 16 Jul 2018 08:43:46 EDT Sportsnet Staff BBC Radio’s Conor McNamara places a call to the Starting Lineup to weigh-in on the World Cup Final, and discuss whether English fans were tuning in or not, why the tournament was more about total team efforts rather than individual super-star performances, Europe’s dominance in the event, why this may be one of the last classic summer World Cup tournaments, and whether the VAR hand-ball call in the final was the right decision.

]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 4137189audioSportsnet Staff sn-audio 1704050871_5809570338001_5809562504001-vs France could dominate international soccer for years to come Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:10:12 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:10:12 EDT Sportsnet Video The Soccer Central panel discuss how France was able to top Croatia in a fantastic 2018 World Cup Final.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 videohttp://sportsnet.rogersdigitalmedia.com.edgesuite.net/bcassets/1704050871/201807/1177/1704050871_5809570337001_5809562504001-th.jpg?pubId=1704050871Sportsnet Video bc-video Matthias Schrader/AP france1280 Second World Cup title felt a long time coming for France Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:07:45 EDT Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:15:09 EDT Sportsnet Staff London-based soccer writer/broadcaster Tom Williams gives his takes on how the French will look at the 2018 team vs. the 1998 squad that won it all, the makeup of Didier Deschamps’ squad, the job done by the French manager, and Paul Pogba’s success at the tournament.

]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 4137259audioSportsnet Staff sn-audio 19439292 France cruises past Croatia to win 2018 World Cup Sun, 15 Jul 2018 12:53:09 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:51:34 EDT Associated Press France is the new world champion after cruising past Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow on Sunday.

]]> MOSCOW — Taking turns sliding across the rain-soaked turf holding the World Cup trophy tight, teenager Kylian Mbappe and the rest of France’s players acted like the youthful bunch they are.

Nothing, not a Pussy Riot protest nor a postgame downpour that soaked Russian President Vladimir Putin, was going to stop the party.

It carried on long after a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia on Sunday. In the locker room with French President Emmanuel Macron striking poses with players, then a champagne-spraying, water-splashing interruption of the coach Didier Deschamps’ news conference.

"Sorry! They’re young and they’re happy," said Deschamps, like a proud father.

Deschamps had good reason to indulge them. His team is mostly aged 25 or under and can return almost intact to defend their title in 2022 in Qatar.

"Our children are going to be very proud," forward Antoine Griezmann said. "The World Cup, it’s a lot."

The 19-year-old Mbappe became only the second teen after Pele to score in a World Cup final.

Mbappe had just shown his electrifying speed in the 52nd minute when play was held up by four protesters who ran onto the field. Russian punk band Pussy Riot later took credit for the incident — watched from the VIP seats by Putin, whose government once jailed members of the activist group. Charges were filed against the group Sunday, too.

Putin was later on the field to award medals to the players in a ceremony soon drenched in rain and joy. As thunder pealed and lightning cracked, FIFA president Gianni Infantino handed France captain Hugo Lloris the gold World Cup trophy.

Gold confetti stuck to the soaked Les Bleus as they paraded the trophy around the Luzhniki Stadium, a final act of an enthralling tournament in which Croatia reached its first final while powers Brazil, Germany and Argentina went home early.

About 12 minutes after a protester gave Mbappe a double high-five on the field, Mbappe sent a right-footed shot from 25 yards (meters) past goalkeeper Danijel Subasic . The goal put France up 4-1, closing the door on Croatia who had been the better team until Mbappe took control.

The only other teen to score in a World Cup final was Pele, who was 17 when Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in 1958.

Mbappe, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in the French league, was born months after France won its only other World Cup title in 1998.

"I have a whole story to write," Mbappe said. "This is just the beginning."

Paul Pogba and Griezmann, France’s two other key creative players, also scored. Pogba played a disciplined role in Russia, but his natural joy was evident celebrating his 18-yard (meter) shot, and leading the champagne shower for Deschamps.

But it was Mbappe who put the match out of reach with a furious passage of play in the second half. In the 59th, a run from Mbappe started a play that ended up with Pogba on the edge of the penalty area. With his second attempt, the midfielder curled his shot beyond Subasic.

Griezmann scored from the penalty spot in the 38th minute fully four minutes after his corner kick was knocked out of play by Ivan Perisic’s arm. The referee ruled it handball only after a video review, just as the first thunders claps boomed around the stadium.

"In a World Cup final, you do not give such a penalty," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said.

France took the lead in the 18th when Croatia’s tallest outfield player, 1.90-meter (6-foot-3) forward Mario Mandzukic, rose to meet Griezmann’s free kick with the top of his head. He deflected it past his own goalkeeper.

Perisic and Mandzukic both scored for Croatia, first to equalize in the 28th minute and later as a consolation goal in the 69th, embarrassing Lloris with a flicked shot as the France goalkeeper tried to dribble the ball out of his goalmouth.

But the three-goal lead was too much for the red-and-white-checkered squad that made a habit of coming back at the World Cup — and played three straight 120-minute games before the final.

"We were dominant, we had control," Dalic said through a translator. "What we’ve had in terms of luck over the tournament, we lacked that today."

Deschamps became only the third man to win the World Cup as a player and a coach. He joined Mario Zagallo of Brazil and Franz Beckenbauer, who captained West Germany.

France’s captain 20 years ago, Deschamps was lifted up by his players on the field and flung into the air several teams and caught. The normally staid coach did a few skipping dance steps in the rain before stopping and laughing at himself.

It was that kind of unbridled evening for the French who won with an exuberance not often seen in a mostly efficient, controlled title run.

Back home in France, tens of thousands of fans headed to the Eiffel Tower to watch a broadcast on giant screens that Paris police closed the area more than two hours before kickoff.

Two years ago at home, France flopped in a European Championship final it was expected to win against Portugal.

"But maybe if we had been European champions we would not be champions today," Deschamps said.

PRESIDENTS’ CLUB

Putin watched the game in a VIP section with the presidents of France and Croatia, Emmanuel Macron and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

Macron paced nervously out of his seat during the video review, and kissed his Croatian counterpart on both cheeks to console her after the game. They joined the medal ceremony and both kissed the gold trophy before it got to Lloris.

FINAL GOALS

The two previous finals were 0-0 after 90 minutes before being settled with a single goal deep into extra time.

Three goals in the first half was the most prolific since 1974, when West Germany went into the break up 2-1 against the Netherlands. That was the final score.

The six-goal final was the most since England beat West Germany 4-2 in 1966. It also ensured the 2018 World Cup had only one scoreless game, when France last played at Luzhniki Stadium against Denmark.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article Matthias Schrader/AP France-Mbappe-celebrating-World-Cup-win France-Mbappe-celebrating-World-Cup-win World Cup winner Mbappe donating bonus of about $350K Tue, 17 Jul 2018 14:19:01 EDT Tue, 17 Jul 2018 14:19:01 EDT Associated Press Teenage World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe is giving his bonus to an association that puts sports in the lives of hospitalized children.

]]> PARIS — Teenage World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe is giving his bonus to an association that puts sports in the lives of hospitalized children.

The head of Premiers de Cordee (First in Line), Sebastien Ruffin, says two weeks before France clinched the World Cup he was informed that Mbappe would give the group his bonus if the team qualified for the quarterfinals.

French Football Federation chief Noel Le Graet confirmed in Sunday’s Journal du Dimanche that other associations also would benefit from the France forward’s largesse — "about 300,000 euros ($350,000)."

Mbappe mentors the kids, and Ruffin said the player has "very good contact" with them: "I sometimes feel he gets more pleasure playing with kids than they do."

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article Eric Feferberg/Pool Photo via AP 19445155 Fans pack Paris streets to greet France after World Cup win Mon, 16 Jul 2018 13:29:06 EDT Mon, 16 Jul 2018 13:31:16 EDT Associated Press The members of France’s victorious World Cup team returned home from Russia to triumphant arcs of water heralding their airplane’s arrival and a red carpet welcome Monday, and that was before the formal homage that awaited them in Paris.

]]> PARIS — The members of France’s victorious World Cup team returned home from Russia to triumphant arcs of water heralding their airplane’s arrival and a red carpet welcome Monday, and that was before the formal homage that awaited them in Paris.

Goalie Hugo Lloris, brandishing the golden trophy from soccer’s eminent tournament, and coach Didier Deschamps led the team from the Air France plane to the tarmac at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Airport personnel and French Sports Minister Laura Flessel, a former champion fencer, were the first to tell them "merci" on behalf of a grateful nation that was sorely in need of a boost.

"Eternal Happiness" read Monday’s headline in French sports daily L’Equipe, summing up the mood of many who hope the euphoria will last for months — even years.

The team expected to take a victory lap down the grand Champs-Elysees, the grand Paris avenue where hundreds of thousands thronged after France’s 4-2 victory Sunday over Croatia to capture the trophy.

For a third day in a row, the avenue was transformed into a boulevard of pride and happiness following a Bastille Day parade of French military might Saturday that, in hindsight, was a preview for the elation of France’s World Cup win.

The team’s appearance on the Champs-Elysees will be followed by a reception at the presidential palace. Hundreds of guests, including people from soccer clubs connected to the French players, were invited. A club in the poor suburb where 19-year-old star Kylian Mbappe grew up is among them.

France has been short of reasons to feel proud, and now is the moment.

Several Paris Metro stations were temporarily adjusting their names to honour the team and its members, the transport authority tweeted. The Champs-Elysees Clemenceau has become the Deschamps-Elysees Clemenceau to honour national team coach Didier Deschamps.

The Etoile station is, for now, "On a 2 Etoiles" (We have 2 stars), to denote France’s second victory in soccer’s World Cup. The Victor Hugo station is now Victor Hugo Lloris, after France’s standout goalie and team captain.

Celebrations were spread across the nation, and among the still-dazed French players themselves.

"We are linked for life now with this Cup," defender Raphael Varane told BFM-TV on Monday before departing from Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron exulted on the field in Moscow and in the locker room, hugging players as they received their medals even as the skies poured rain. Macron clearly hoped the World Cup glow would rub off on him, raising him up in the eyes of a nation where his economic reforms have drawn fierce protests.

It was the players, though, who captured the French imagination. The mostly youthful, diverse team represents a generation with which traditionalists have yet to come to terms.

Flessel, the sports minister, told Europe-1 radio that the World Cup victory allows France’s youth — like those in the poor suburbs where many of the players grew up — "to dare to believe in their dreams."

Joy over the win brightened the Monday morning commute in Paris, where young people in cars sang and shouted.

In the eastern Paris neighbourhood of Belleville, Vincent Simon said, "Both teams deserved to win. France won, and that’s good for the country. That will do us good for some months."

The victory came at a time when many French were in need of good news.

"It represents enormous things," said Goffrey Hamsik, dressed in a hat resembling a rooster — the French national symbol — and a shirt with Mbappe’s No. 10 number.

"We’ve had lots of problems in France these past years," he said at Sunday’s festivities, recalling deadly terror attacks. "This is good for the morale … Here, we are all united. We mix. There is no religion, there is nothing, and that’s what feels good."

Still, celebrations in France typically end up with a spate of violence by troublemakers, and Sunday was no exception.

Broken shop windows, pillage and other destruction lined a section of the Champs-Elysees, the postgame site for revelers. Riot police used water cannon and tear gas to end the violence.

French media reported that authorities detained 90 people for questioning in the Paris region and some 290 around France.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article Darko Vojinovic/AP Brazil-Neymar-on-ground-during-World-Cup Brazil-Neymar-on-ground-during-World-Cup Neymar not upset at critics of his World Cup rolling Thu, 19 Jul 2018 21:55:02 EDT Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:14:36 EDT Associated Press Neymar says he is not upset with critics who have made fun of his apparent theatrics during the World Cup in Russia.

]]> SAO PAULO — Neymar said he isn’t upset with critics who have made fun of his apparent theatrics during the World Cup in Russia.

At an auction Thursday organized by Neymar Jr. institute, the striker appeared in public for the first time since Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Earlier Thursday, the Brazilian posted a video on Instagram like many others poking fun at his exaggerated reactions after being fouled during the World Cup.

"I was joking (in the social media video). Since everybody is hoping on the bandwagon, I take it as a joke. I am not upset," the Paris Saint-Germain striker told Fox Sports before the auction.

In the short video, Neymar is surrounded by children who fall after he gives them a sign. "It was just a moment I was with the kids and I decided to do it," the striker said.

Fans, players and former soccer stars criticized the Brazilian for his overacting on the pitch in Russia, including a tearful moment at the end of the 2-0 win against Costa Rica and a lot of rolling after being fouled by adversaries.

His advocates, however, say the 26-year-old needs to be more protected by referees against constant and aggressive fouling from adversaries, and that his reactions are not as important.

Neymar also said "the grief is over" after Brazil’s World Cup elimination.

"We have to choose to be happy. We have reasons to be sad, but I choose to be happy," he said.

The Brazilian also praised his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, who won the World Cup with France at age 19.

"He is a phenomenon, a great player. We knew that from our day-to-day with him. I am very happy he played such a great World Cup," Neymar said. "I speak to Mbappe almost every day. I congratulated him for the title. It will be great to welcome him back as a World Cup champion."

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]]> Soccer Ligue 1 World Cup 2018 sn-article Petr David Josek/AP Croatia-forward-Nikola-Kalinic Croatia-forward-Nikola-Kalinic Croatian media: Forward Kalinic refused World Cup medal Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:53:20 EDT Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:53:20 EDT Associated Press Croatian media say that forward Nikola Kalinic has not accepted the silver medal his team won at the World Cup in Russia.

]]> ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatian media say that forward Nikola Kalinic has not accepted the silver medal his team won at the World Cup in Russia because he was sent home early in the competition.

Kalinic has reportedly said "thank you but I did not play in Russia."

Coach Zlatko Dalic sent Kalinic home following the team’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria in their opening match.

Dalic said he wanted to use Kalinic as a substitute in the second half but the AC Milan forward, who was already warming up, told him he was not able to play because of a back problem.

Dalic said Kalinic did the same in a World Cup warmup against Brazil and during training.

Croatia lost 4-2 to France in the final.

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]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 sn-article Matthias Schrader/AP france1280 France returns to glory with World Cup triumph over Croatia Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:42:15 EDT Sun, 15 Jul 2018 17:50:12 EDT Sportsnet Staff Sportsnet.Ca’s John Molinaro and Peter Galindo joined Rob Wong to recap France’s 4-2 World Cup Final win over Croatia, how this could be the beginning of a long run for a young French squad and some other big stories from the tournament that was in Russia.

]]> Soccer World Cup 2018 4136765audioSportsnet Staff sn-audio