Sir — Though a football minnow, even India was on a soccer high from day one as persons from all age groups and women too savoured the 20th quadrennial soccer event.
Interestingly, Croatians won two of their knock-out matches on penalties and one in extra time making their maiden appearance in the FIFA final. In 1998, ironically, they were defeated by France in the semi-finals. France’s vast experience stood in the Croatian way to the crown.
Griezmann, Mbappe, and Pogba scored one goal each for their side (France) and the fourth one was a self-goal by Mandzukic while Croatia could rustle up only two goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario.
As most would agree, Coatia won hearts while France won the title Crown for the second time after 1998. At the end of the day, the tournament otherwise was replete with surprises. Mbappe was awarded the young player award, Harry Kane (England) got the ‘Golden Boot’ and luka Modric (Croatia) was awarded ‘Golden Ball’.