Croatia fought hard for an hour but gradually ran out of steam after playing extra time in their three previous matches.

A simply unforgettable final, and a worthy Champion at the end of it all. 20 years after winning their first, France is world champion for the second time. They danced and ran around the ground, waving the French flag.

The men in chequered jerseys — the reds and whites. The Hans Zimmer music, the roaring fans, the drizzling, none of that mattered. Just like that, Croatia’s captain Luka Modric had tears in his eyes.

 An elated Coach Deschamps said France were “swimming in happiness” after his players interrupted his post-World Cup final press conference, dancing and showering their manager in drinks as they celebrated their massive win in the summit clash.

The coach was about to start speaking when the squad came into the room packed full of journalists, with defender Benjamin Mendy leading the celebrations as he danced with his shirt off.

Deschamps becomes just the third man to win the World Cup as a player and a coach, following in the footsteps of Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer before him.

“It’s a real pleasure, it is a very closed circle. We have had the same success, but they were two great players. I was not as attractive as a player but I still won titles.“I am honestly so much happier to see the delight of the players. They are world champions.