World Cup stories: France rise in Russia as fans fall for Three Lions again

There are 90 days to go until this summer's World Cup, and as we continue the DAZN News countdown to the tournament, we're going back in time again to relive all things Russia 2018. 

Though the host nation drew controversy, the tournament itself passed without major incident and finished with France back at the summit of world football, while Croatia continued to exceed expectations.

As for England, it was the tournament that the Three Lions and Gareth Southgate made the fans feel whole again. 

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Russian revolution 

Football's biggest showpiece was hosted by Russia for the first time at the 2018 finals, a decision that sparked some controversy. 

FIFA decided to award the finals to the country ahead of England's favoured bid, amid some allegations of an unfair process and concerns over the culture and potential conflicts that could occur during the summer. 

However, FIFA pressed ahead with the tournament and 32 teams qualified for the competition, including debutants Panama and Iceland, who followed up their exploits at Euro 2016 by reaching their first World Cup. 

Another debutant at the finals was VAR, which would be used at a World Cup for the very first time. 

Of the home nations, only England made it through; it was the first finals for boss Gareth Southgate, having taken over from Roy Hodgson following the Three Lions' embarrassment at the Euros. 

There was, however, no place for Italy, who missed out for the first time since 1958, as well as the Netherlands and the USA, who also failed to qualify. 

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The moments that mattered 

The headline coming out of the opening round was the disastrous group stage showing from reigning champions Germany. 

They lost their opening game to Mexico, the only time they've lost their first match as defending champions in four World Cup wins, before a late Toni Kroos winner against Sweden looked to have got them back on track. 

However, the ultimate humiliation came last, as South Korea beat them 2–0 to secure their first finals win since 2010 and condemn Germany to bottom spot in the group - their first group-stage exit since the format was introduced in 1950.

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It was in stark contrast to the performances of Croatia, who once again shone on the world stage. Led by the talisman Luka Modric, they topped their group above Argentina and went on to eliminate Denmark, Russia and England en route to the final. 

That defeat for the Three Lions brought to an end a significant run of their own. Fuelled by the goals of Harry Kane and backed up by the power of Southgate's waistcoat, fans fell back in love with the national team following a stirring run to the last four - the furthest they'd been in a major tournament since Euro 96. 

The game of the tournament, though, involved formidable-looking France and Lionel Messi's Argentina. Kylian Mbappe's two goals and a worldie from Benjamin Pavard secured a 4-3 win, and it wouldn't be the last time Les Blues would be celebrating. 

The stars of the finals 

Croatia's continued run at major tournaments was led by their little magician in midfield, Luka Modric. The Real Madrid man had a sublime tournament as the maestro in the middle for Zlatko Dalić's men, who almost upset the odds and won football's biggest prize.

Modric's performances were so good it saw him win that year's Ballon d'Or, upsetting the Messi and Ronaldo monopoly that had dominated the award. 

Also among gold was Harry Kane, who's six goals across the tournament saw him become the second Englishman to take home a World Cup Golden Boot, following in the footsteps of Gary Lineker at Mexico '86. 

As for the tournament's best young star, it was Kylian Mbappe who announced his arrival on the global stage. The Frenchman scored four times in Russia, including a goal in the final, to make him only the second teenager after Pelé to find the net in football's biggest game. 

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The final

The final saw a repeat of the 1998 semi-final meeting between the same nations, and, just like that final, it ended in a World Cup win for France. 

Not that Didier Deschamps' men had it all their own way, as Croatia gave the French a right scare during an enthralling evening in Moscow. 

France opened the scoring through an own goal by Mario Mandzukic, before Ivan Perisic equalised for the Croats. 

Then, after a penalty was given following a VAR call, the French took over. Griezmann covered the spot-kick before further goals from Paul Pogba and Mbappe sealed the win and their second World Cup win.

There was still time for a brainfart moment from Hugo Lloris as he miscontrolled a backpass to see Mandzukic claw one back, but the 4-2 win went to Deschamps, who celebrated winning the trophy as both a player and manager. 

 

The legacy 

Early concerns surrounding the tournament were quickly eased, helping improve perceptions of both football in Russia and the country as a tourist destination at the time.

The finals were also a turning point for technology, with VAR, which was showcased globally for the first time and became something that is now part and parcel of football's top leagues. 

On the pitch, it was a tournament where Kylian Mbappe proved his billing as football's next big star, while for England, it was a turning point in the support and belief in the team, one that would carry on through and establish the Three Lions as a force in the game once again. 

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