It was just not meant to be for Croatia after all their heroics in reaching the World Cup final. France ran out 4-2 winners, deservedly so, and lifted their first World Cup since 1998.
Croatia actually started brightly but it was France who got the first goal as Mario Mandzukic deflected a free-kick from Antoine Griezmann into his own net.
The underdogs then responded via a firecracker from Ivan Perisic but the scorer then gave away a penalty away after he handled the ball.
Griezmann stepped up to make it 2-1 in the first half and France never looked back. The French then made it three via Paul Pogba before Kylian Mbappe scored the fourth goal.
Mandzukic pulled one back for Dejan Lovren’s side but it was not going to be enough as our Liverpool man had to deal with losing another final this season.
We would have loved it had Lovren picked up the trophy but France were the better side and had a number of quality players too.
Nevertheless, Lovren will still return as a hero to many and here are some of the best reactions to the Liverpool man just missing out on the prize.
The only way to stop the best defender. 😅 pic.twitter.com/0wPOwajmHA
— Aditya 🇧🇪🇭🇷 (@AdityaLFC_) July 15, 2018
Unlucky. But Fekir.
— The Anfield Truth (@AnfieldTruth) July 15, 2018
They have won your hearts pic.twitter.com/D05SaowEGp
— Leo Modric (@leonardo_edge) July 15, 2018
Proud of you Lovren !
You were Amazing
Lift your chin up ✌👍
YNWA— Umer Khan (@Flexing_Umer) July 15, 2018
ANNOUNCE VIDA
— LOVREN STAN 😃 🇭🇷 (@sunnylfc8) July 15, 2018
Congratulations VAR 😂🤣
— Iam Baba (@iambabalive) July 15, 2018
Announce Lovren ballon d’or
— Alloe Wakanda™ (@AlloeSibanda) July 15, 2018
Lovren really doesn’t like pitch invaders… pic.twitter.com/9P0d8brT1S
— LFC KNOWLEDGE (@LFCknowledge) July 15, 2018
Although both finals weren’t what he what of hoped for, Dejan Lovren has made many people stand up and appreciate his defensive qualities over the last few months. I’m sure the pain of losing will drive him onto bigger and better things.
Keep your head held high, Dejan. pic.twitter.com/6cy8kvVOWu
— Matt (@FalseFirmino) July 15, 2018
Me to the Lovren haters pic.twitter.com/kWSttsxscd
— ⛈ (@MRMORGTASTIC) July 15, 2018
Lovren fails to win the World Cup, but he’s been fantastic throughout the tournament, and we are proud of you.
We look forward to seeing you back at Liverpool, Dejan. pic.twitter.com/kKYJceQtOH
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) July 15, 2018
Read more: Jurgen Klopp wants to sign a goalkeeper and an attacking midfielder [Mirror]
