France, Croatia put on a show in wild 1st half of World Cup final
Matthias Hangst / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The World Cup final between France and Croatia is living up to expectations.
France grabbed the lead early in the encounter courtesy of an own goal by Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic off Antoine Griezmann's set piece.
The lead was short-lived, as Ivan Perisic sent Croatia supporters into a frenzy when his blistering shot zipped past Hugo Lloris.
Less than 10 minutes before half-time, Video Assistant Referee made its first appearance in a World Cup final. France was awarded a penalty after the match official, Nestor Pitana, missed a handball in the Croatia box.
Griezmann stepped up to calmly convert and give France a 2-1 lead at the break.
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