It was France who struck first during Sunday’s World Cup final with Croatia.
An Antoine Griezmann free-kick skidded off the head of Mario Mandzukic, whose attempt to head away from danger carried it into his own net after 18 minutes.
Can Croatia feel a bit hard done by for the free that led to the goal? Looks like Griezmann may have been guilty of a bit of simulation.
Updates: https://t.co/6Xl4rm9N4W pic.twitter.com/3Lw3i9XM9k
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 15, 2018
It was harsh on Zlatko Dalić’s side, who had controlled the early stages of the game in the Luzhniki Stadium. Many watching also felt France were fortunate to have been awarded the free-kick from which they scored.
Griezmann was adjudged to have been fouled by a challenge from Marcelo Brozović, despite replays showing there to be little – if any – contact at all. The Inter Milan midfielder was quick to plead his innocence, with many of those watching at home in agreement that the free-kick should not have been awarded.
Harsh on Croatia, 1-0 after a dive from Griezmann.
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) July 15, 2018
Was that free kick legitimate? Looked like Griezmann bought it.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) July 15, 2018
that is such a dive from Griezmann. shifts the ball then just falls over. shameless.
— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) July 15, 2018
Griezmann scoring from a dive. Pretends to be shocked.
— َ (@notRonaIdo) July 15, 2018
Poor decision from the Ref. That was not a challenge against Griezmann. It was a dive instead. #FRACRO #Worldcup
— Richard Kwizera (@Muzungu4) July 15, 2018
Griezmann dived to win the free kick. Where was VAR?
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) July 15, 2018
Disgraceful dive by Griezmann for the France free kick that led to the goal I’d be livid if I was Croatian right now!!!
— David Thompson (@77thomo) July 15, 2018
Croatia weren’t behind for long. Ivan Perisic provided an equaliser ten minutes later, cutting on to his left foot before firing past Hugo Lloris from the edge of the French area.
France restored their lead before half-time however, a VAR review saw Perisic penalised for handball, allowing Griezmann to score from the spot.
