FIFA World Cup 2018 Final

[Antonio]

That's it people. All we're left with is the most watched sports event in the world, the World Cup final. Only 2 teams were successful enough to reach this point - Croatia and France.



Sunday, July 15th, 15:00 UTC:

4:2

Congratz France for winning their 2nd World Championship. Today was their day, despite Croatia arguably playing better. Statistics don't win you games and France was clinical enough to deserve the victory.

Pre Match Comments

Both of these countries' biggest success was at the 1998 World Cup where France finished 1st and Croatia 3rd. The two clashed in semi-finals where France beat Croatia 2:1 and proceeded to win it all. 20 years later here we are again. Calculations and pundits aside, the game is wide open. France are the favorites but not as much as people think. They're more rested and have a better team all-round, but Croatia has more experience of playing in big games, especially finals of major tournaments in club football. Which will win - youth or experience? What generation will go down as absolute legends? Find out in less than 5 hours. I couldn't be more hyped!

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Semi Finals

After 3 incredible weeks of what is in my opinion the best world cup of the 21st century with so many great games, goals, upsets and moments, it's all coming to an end. Only 4 games left to find out the order of the top 4 teams remaining: France, Belgium, Croatia and England.



Tuesday, July10th:

Pre Match Comments

What is regarded as the final by many due to the strength of the left side of the bracket, this game is being hyped up for a reason. 2 world class teams with world class players clashing for the ultimate spot in the final. France have been picking up pace throughout the tournament while Belgium have been consistently good from the start. France's best result is winning the World Cup at home in 1998. Belgium have only been in the top 4 once, finishing 4th in 1986. Long has passed since then, especially for Belgium which is having its "golden generation" as regarded by many. Who do you think will make it to the final?

1:0

Congratz to France for qualifying! They were the better team and should've scored more. Props to Belgium for giving us a thrilling match even if there weren't many goals. See you in the finals!

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Wednesday, July 11th:

Pre Match Comments

It's coming home (to Croatia). In Discovery terms, the clash between me and @Mephistoles for a spot in the final. England haven't been there since their only victory in 1966, and have been in top 4 one more time in 1990. Croatia's been there only once, in 1998, where we finished 3rd. Both countries weren't in the top 6 favorites and getting to semis is a huge success already, but who's going all the way to the end and who gets to play for the 3rd place consolation prize?

2:1

Undoubtedly the biggest success in the history of the Croatian sport, and we had a lot of world champions in other sports. It says enough about the size of football and how much it matters to get to the final of the most watched sports event in the world. England had a chance to end it in the 1st half with 3 clear chances but only put 1 away and after that it was all Croatia. We deservedly won and I can't be more proud of the team. One last game remaining, it's time to revenge the 1998 World Cup semi final defeat against France!


All in all the hype's off the charts, especially in the 4 countries left. I just hope (apart from Croatia winning it all) that the remaining games keep up with the standard of amazing tournament we had so far and that we get even better moments than seen from the start until this point. May the best team win.

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6 most notable games (highly recommended for people not watching football often or tuning in late):

Portugal 3:3 Spain

Argentina 0:3 Croatia

France 4:3 Argentina

Belgium 3:2 Japan

Brazil 1:2 Belgium

Russia 2:2 Croatia (Croatia wins 4:3 on penalties)

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SNAC Montage Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Thruster SNAC