Deschamps is now the third person in history to win the world cup both as a player and manager, with Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer. Mario Zagallo of Brazil the other two.
In their sixth meeting, Croatia dominated the game, but it was France who smiled home as Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe scored two brilliant second half goals to seal a comfortable win for Les Bleus.
A Mario Mandzukic own goal gave France the lead, which lasted ten minutes as Ivan Perisic’s well struck shot drew Croatia level.
Antoine Griezmann restored France’s lead just before the break, after the VAR spotted a hand ball by Perisic in the Croatian box.
It was a familiar terrain for Zlatko Dalic’s men, who have found themselves behind on a number of occasions in Russia, including against England in the semifinal.
However, there won’t be another comeback for Croatia’s historic side, as two further goals from Pogba and Mbappe, who became the first youngster since Pele in 1958 to score four goals, added a fourth for France.
Mandzukic pulled another goal back for Croatia late in bizarre circumstance after a Hugo Lloris error, but it was a little too late as Deschamps’ men held on for their second FIFA World Cup win.
