France 4 Croatia 2

Both sides at full strength, no injuries or suspensions to worry about, and no changes from the semis. Croatia have played three extra-times in a row to France’s none, and have had a day’s less rest, but then they looked the far fitter side against England. France though overwhelming favourites. 

ITV schedule their buildup to start five minutes before their rivals, although it turns out to be only two minutes after the adverts are done. The BBC panel are suited and booted to sit in the studio. Why on earth?

Croatia dominated the opening fifteen minutes, with even Mbappe being forced into defensive work. And it was Mandzukic who opened the scoring, but into his own net as he glanced a Griezmann free-kick past his own ‘keeper. Perisic though drew Croatia level with a good strike which took a big deflection.

Then drama - a VARPEN for France following a clear handball and long deliberation on it’s deliberateness by the referee, tucked away by Griezmann. Croatia well ahead on stats at the break but France ahead on goals.

France had the first shot in the second period but Rebic soon had a better one tipped ove by Lloris. Mbappe then sprang into life but his powerful run was thwarted by Subisic. The game was then briefly interrupted by a pitch invasion. No idea who it was or why. Which makes it a bit pointless.

A French breakaway brought them a third goal as Pogba curled the ball in after his first attempt was blocked. Two up, surely that was the clincher? No, Mbappe’s shot from way outside the box was, as he became the first teenager to score in a final since the greatest of all time, Pele.

But wait, Lloris then mystifyingly tried to dribble past Mandzukic and paid the price. 4-2. What a game. That seemed to knock the wind out of France just as they seemed to be coasting, and Croatia continued to probe, led by the imperious Modric. But even their superhuman efforts began to run out of steam and France were able to run down the clock.

No doubts in my mind that France were the best team at the tournament. They may have got a couple of decisions going there way in the first half here, but they would almost certainly have won anyway. Croatia deserve huge credit too, but as I said would happen way back on 10th of June, France are the Champions.