The 2018 World Cup final was a match for the ages, guys! France took on Croatia in a thrilling contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. But beyond the goals, the saves, and the nail-biting tension, one question remains: Who deserved the MVP award, officially known as the Golden Ball, for that final game? Let's dive deep into the candidates and analyze their performances to determine who truly shone the brightest.

The Official MVP: Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić was officially awarded the Golden Ball for the entire tournament, not just the final. While his overall contribution to Croatia's incredible journey to the final was undeniable, his performance in the final itself is what we're scrutinizing here. Modrić, the midfield maestro, had been the driving force behind Croatia's success. His vision, passing range, and tireless work rate had dictated the tempo of games and unlocked opposition defenses. Throughout the tournament, Modrić showcased his exceptional ability to control the midfield, orchestrate attacks, and provide crucial defensive cover. His performances against Argentina, Nigeria, and Denmark were particularly memorable, as he consistently demonstrated his class and leadership. He was the engine that powered Croatia's remarkable run, and his influence on the team was immeasurable. However, in the final, he was somewhat subdued compared to his usual high standards. While he still displayed moments of brilliance and his passing accuracy remained impressive, he wasn't as dominant as he had been in previous matches. France's midfield, particularly N'Golo Kanté, did a decent job of limiting his space and influence, preventing him from dictating the game as effectively as he had done before. Therefore, whether he truly deserved the MVP just for the final is debatable.

The Case for Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann was a strong contender for the MVP award. He scored a penalty and played a crucial role in France's attack. Throughout the tournament, Griezmann had been a key figure for France, contributing goals, assists, and tireless work rate. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions, and his ability to link up with his teammates made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. In the final, Griezmann once again proved his importance to the French team, scoring a crucial penalty that put France ahead. Although the penalty decision itself was controversial, Griezmann calmly converted it, showcasing his composure under pressure. Beyond the penalty, Griezmann's overall performance was impressive. He constantly troubled the Croatian defense with his clever movement and incisive passing, and he played a vital role in creating chances for his teammates. His link-up play with Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud was particularly effective, as the trio combined to stretch the Croatian defense and exploit any weaknesses. Furthermore, Griezmann's defensive contribution should not be overlooked. He worked tirelessly to track back and support his defenders, helping to maintain France's defensive shape and prevent Croatia from creating clear-cut chances. His commitment and work ethic were exemplary, and he set the tone for his teammates to follow. Some might argue that his penalty was a bit of a gift, but you can't deny his overall impact on the game. His presence on the field created problems for the Croatian defense, and his goal was vital in securing the victory for France. For many fans and analysts, Griezmann's performance in the final was deserving of the MVP award. He stepped up when it mattered most and delivered a match-winning performance, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the world.

The Argument for Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé announced himself on the world stage at this tournament, and the final was no exception. The young superstar scored a fantastic goal and terrorized the Croatian defense with his pace and skill. Mbappé's blistering pace and exceptional dribbling skills made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the tournament. His ability to accelerate past opponents and create scoring opportunities was a constant threat, and he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the world. In the final, Mbappé showcased his incredible talent once again, scoring a brilliant goal that further cemented his status as a rising star. His goal not only demonstrated his technical ability but also his composure under pressure. He was the second teenager to score in a World Cup Final, after Pelé. Beyond his goal, Mbappé's overall performance was electrifying. He constantly troubled the Croatian defense with his pace and trickery, creating numerous chances for himself and his teammates. His ability to stretch the defense and exploit any gaps was crucial in France's attacking strategy. The Croatian defenders simply couldn't handle his pace and agility, and he consistently beat them to the ball, winning free kicks and corners in dangerous areas. Mbappé's impact on the game was undeniable, and his performance was a testament to his immense talent and potential. Many observers felt that Mbappé's display in the final was worthy of the MVP award. He single-handedly tormented the Croatian defense and scored a crucial goal that helped secure the victory for France. His pace, skill, and composure were on full display, and he proved that he is capable of performing at the highest level on the biggest stage. For many fans, Mbappé's performance was the most memorable aspect of the final, and he left an indelible mark on the tournament as a whole.

Other Notable Performances

While Modrić, Griezmann, and Mbappé were the frontrunners, other players had solid performances. For France, Paul Pogba had a good game, scoring a goal and helping to control the midfield. N'Golo Kanté, despite being subbed off, did a decent job of disrupting Croatia's play. For Croatia, Ivan Perišić scored a goal and was a threat in attack, but he also conceded the penalty. These players contributed significantly to their respective teams, but their performances weren't quite at the same level as the top contenders for the MVP award.

The Verdict

So, who should have been the MVP of the 2018 World Cup final? It's a tough call, guys. Modrić's overall tournament performance was outstanding, but he wasn't at his best in the final. Griezmann scored a goal and was influential in France's attack, while Mbappé announced himself as a global superstar with his electrifying performance. Ultimately, while Modrić received the Golden Ball for the entire tournament, a strong case can be made for Griezmann or Mbappé to have been named MVP of the final match itself. It really comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a player's performance.