Despite Croatia having the majority of possession in the opening stages, France took the lead after a Antoine Griezmann free kick was directed into the Croat net by Mario Mandzukic for the 12th own goal of the tournament.

Ivan Perisic would then level matters minutes later only to concede a penalty at the other end following a VAR adjudicated handball to go into the half time break 2-1.

After the interval, France increased their lead through Paul Pogba and then again via the boot of Kylian Mbappe to make it 4-1.

Mandzukic then made a mends for his first half own goal when he capitalized on French keeper Hugo Lloris carelessness to reduce the deficit to 2 goals.

However try as they might, Croatia could not close the gap ending matters 4-2 after 90 minutes breaking Croatian hearts while Les Blues claimed their 2nd world title after lifting the trophy on home turf in 1998.

Although it was little consolation, losing Captain Luka Modric was named as the best player of the World Cup picking up the Golden Ball award.

England's Harry Kane won the Golden Boot award after finishing as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, despite his side's semi-final exit at the hands of runners up Croatia.

Belgium's Thibaut Courtois picked up the Golden Glove award as the tournament's best goalkeeper while Spain won the Fair Play trophy even though they exited the showpiece at the last-16 stage.

Last but not least 19 year old Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who became the youngest player to score in a final since Pele in 1958, won the award for the best young player of the tournament.

While the champagne in France is sure to continue flowing for some time to come, the world now attempts to normalize itself and start preparations for the next showpiece in 4 years’ time.

So then the curtain has come down on Russia 2018 and OFM’s coverage thereof, see you Qatar 2022.