'100% Not A Penalty', Gallagher Says After France Beat Croatia 4-2

France were crowned the 2018 World Cup winners after triumphing 4-2 over Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday, but the score line does not justify the performance of the runners-up, who fought until the end.

The French were the favorites coming into the final and against the run of play took the lead via an own goal from Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic in the 18th minute. Their lead lasted just 10 minutes as Ivan Perisic levelled the scores with a fine left-footed volley to beat Hugo Lloris.

Ten minutes later, France were ahead again via a penalty from Antoine Griezmann, which was awarded after the referee consulted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). It was one of the main talking points of the game, with many disputing the call suggesting that it was not a deliberate handball and hence not a penalty.

Croatia came out all guns blazing in the second half and fashioned a number of chances but were unable to convert them. Zlatko’s Dalic’s team focusing on getting back into the game allowed space for France at the back, which saw them increase their lead through first Paul Pogba and then Kylian Mbappe, who became the first teenager to score a goal in a World Cup final since Brazilian legend Pele did so in 1958.

Croatia were handed a lifeline when a howler from French goalkeeper Lloris allowed Mandzukic to tap in, but they were unable to add to their tally in the final 20 minutes and settled for the silver medal — their best ever result.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insisted after the game, it was wrong to hand France a penalty after Perisic was adjudged to have handled the ball after France were awarded a corner. The penalty was the second goal, and it certainly played a role in changing the outcome of the game.

"100 per cent not a penalty. He's far, far too close to the ball as it comes over the forward's head," Gallagher told Sky Sports News.

"It just strikes him — he doesn't move his hand to the ball, he's got no intention of handling the ball. The law says it has to be deliberate. His arms aren't in an unorthodox position — it just doesn't tick any boxes."

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who was working as a television pundit, also criticized referee Nestor Pitana for awarding the penalty. It was a decision that certainly gave France the edge going into the second-half.

Croatia, meanwhile, held their head high despite the heartbreak and there was a little joy for at least one of their players as Luka Modric was awarded the Golden Ball — given to the player of the tournament.

19-year-old Mbappe was given the young player of the tournament, while England’s Harry Kane took home the Golden Boot and Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois was handed the Golden Glove for most number of clean sheets in the tournament.