
Football
Share
Published 18:08 15 Jul 2018 BST
Updated 19:17 15 Jul 2018 BST
Explore more on these topics:
It really shouldn't have been like that though. France had the potential to be a genuinely memorable winner of the tournament. They had all the flair and the talent, with a rock-solid base to enable their brilliant forwards to go express themselves. But Didier Deschamps turned them into a turgid, reactive side, who were arguably fortunate to beat a country of just over four million in the final. Croatia dominated possession, created more chances and were behind at half-time despite France only having one shot on target, which was Antoine Griezmann's penalty.
Croatia didn't have France's strength in depth and they had to come through extra-time in their previous three matches. They had effectively played a full-match more than France on the way to the final. Despite having every advantage, including some questionable referring calls, and a two-goal lead going into the final 10-minutes, France still resorted to wasting time and putting every man behind the ball. The most talented team at the tournament were clinging on against an exhausted side representing a tiny country.
https://twitter.com/Caley_graphics/status/1018541339401768960
There was no cohesion or build-up play evident from the France team. There were no patterns of play beyond hoofing the ball towards Olivier Giroud or hoping for Kylian Mbappe to get them up the pitch with his blistering pace. They relied on individual talent, set-pieces and their defence to get them through. In the final, some questionable calls also aided them.
It wasn't a pragmatic performance against Croatia. It was needlessly cautious. The last team to be so dour in the World Cup final was the Netherlands in 2010, and on that occasion, the better side won. The more proactive, positive and better football team didn't win Sunday's final. France's stodgy and sterile side won. Olivier Giroud finishes the tournament with more winner's medals than shots on target.
Deschamps' team have been arguably the most forgettable winners of the tournament for a very long time. Of course, they won't care. France will get another star on their shirt. The record books will show they won the World Cup again. But, unlike the tournament itself, France's victory hasn't been entertaining, memorable or even interesting.Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
2 days ago
Shane Long details why he missed celebration of one Ireland’s best ever moments
Well that’s a pity. Shane Long’s name will forever be etched in Irish footballing history. His goal in Ireland’s 1-0 win over Germany in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign was one of the best finishes ever seen at the Aviva Stadium, and was the catalyst for wild celebrations both during after the game. However, the […]
Football
3 days ago
The weekend’s action: Follow all of the football as City host Arsenal
Football