FIFA World Cup 2018: How France Made Its Way To The Top
With France lifting the trophy in Moscow last evening, let's have a look at their journey to the top
(WebDesk) – Football fans all over the world may have just witnessed one of the best World Cups of recent times with French Legend Didier Deschamp’s men lifting the coveted trophy at the end of the topsy-turvy tournament. France completely outplayed the brave Croatians in a Final filled with great drama and extreme thrill.
France managed to lift the trophy for the second time in their history; the first time since the famous triumph in 1998. Following France’s domination, let’s have a look at the Les Blues road to Moscow.
France vs Australia (16/06/18)
France started the tournament off on a bright note beating Australia 2-1 in a match that truly lit up in the second half. France dominated the majority of the match with their attack causing trouble to the opposition’s vulnerable defence. Antoinne Griezmann scored the team’s opener from the penalty spot before an Aziz Behcich’s own goal sealed all three points for the Les Blues.
Final Score Line: 2-1 (France)
Man of the Match: Antoine Griezmann (France)
France vs Peru (21/06/18)
Although the fans were expecting a relatively one-sided affair in favor of France, Peru managed to hold the Europeans tight. The Peru Midfield however could not hold the ball for long as teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe ripped through the opposition’s defence to score the only goal of the game.
Final Score Line: 1-0 (France)
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappe
France vs Denmark (26/06/18)
France’s last match of the group stage was a disappointment to say the least. Amidst constant sparring, aerial battles, fight for possession and physical battles, the French could not break through the sturdy Danish defence and provide the killer blow. Both the teams were lackluster on the field as the 2018 FIFA World Cup witnessed its first and (what eventually turned out to be) its only goalless draw.
Final Score Line: 0-0
Man of the Match: Ngolo Kante (France)
France vs Argentina (30/06/18)
France’s first real test came in the round of 16 when the Europeans locked horns with Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Even though the Argentines came into the match on the back of a disappointing run of form, the match promised to be a thrilling affair. Both the sides’ midfield provided the goods for their nations as they kept advancing forward with the ball that eventually resulted in a goals’ galore. The match eventually resulted in seven goals with France just edging the Argentinians 4-3.
Final Score Line: 4-3 (France)
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappe (France)
France vs Uruguay (06/07/18)
Next France had to face the mighty Uruguayans to book a place in the Semi Finals of the tournament. The Uruguayans came into the match on the back of four successive victories, conceding just one goal in the process. France, however, started confidently and eventually opened up their account of the quarters courtesy a Raphael Varane header. The Les Blues sealed a convincing win when Antoine Griezmann forced Fernando Muslera into an agonizing mistake in the second half.
Final Score Line: 2-0 (France)
Man of the Match: Antoine Griezmann (France)
France vs Belgium (10/07/18)
Before getting a chance to play for the trophy, France had just one obstacle standing in their way; the unpredictable Belgians. Belgium came into the Semi Final after having played some extremely exciting and convincing football. In a tournament full of upsets and shocks, many expected Belgium to win and book their place in the Final. France however, just did enough to hold their nerves until the last minute. Heroics from defender Samuel Umtiti and Captain Hugo Lloris kept the French in the hunt for glory as the Les Blues marched on to fight for the coveted trophy in Moscow.
Final Score Line: 1-0 (France)
Man of the Match: Samuel Umtiti
By: Raacikh Asghar
