The 2018 FIFA World Cup ended with an enthralling final contest between France and Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. France emerged victorious by 4-2 as they lifted the World Cup trophy after a gap of 20 years. This was France's second World Cup trophy and first World Cup title win outside home. The 2018 edition of the football World Cup saw perhaps a mix of everything from surprises to obvious results. And like every edition, the tournament had its winners and losers. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic Hugging All Players After France vs Croatia 2018 World Cup Final Wins Internet: View Pics.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup began on June 14 and ended on July 15. Over the month we witnessed some fascinating goals and some terrible misses. The just concluded World Cup will be remembered for long for many records, incidents that took place over the course of one month. As the 2018 FIFA World Cup came to an end, we try to list five things that will make us remember this year’s tournament for long.

Croatia Create History: This was for the first time, Croatia qualified for the final of FIFA World Cup. In fact it was their first-ever appearance in the final of a major international tournament. The Luka Modric-led side won all their matches from group stages to semifinal but failed on the day when it mattered the most. Nonetheless, Croatia did manage to win hearts with their performance throughout the tournament and for a country with four million population, playing the final was an achievement itself.  Here’s How Much Prize Money 2018 FIFA World Cup Winner France and Runners-Up Croatia Will Receive.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR): The 2018 FIFA World Cup saw for the first time VAR being used at the quadrennial tournament. Usage of VAR proved to be a successful step as technology proved to be useful. In the final, France were awarded a crucial penalty for handball after the referee opted for VAR. The 2018 edition of FIFA World Cup will be for sure remembered for VAR as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hat-trick: On day two of the tournament, Spain and Portugal played out a 3-3 draw. It was a moral victory for Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal as his hat-trick helped his side to secure a draw. Portugal took a 2-1 lead at the halftime but Spain struck twice in first ten minutes of the second-half to take the lead. In the 88th minute, Ronaldo’s free-kick helped Portugal to draw the game and with it, the 33-year-old completed his hat-trick as well. Cristiano Ronaldo Hat-trick Against Spain Sets 2018 FIFA World Cup Alight.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Miss Penalties: The Messi vs Ronaldo debate witnessed another chapter as both the star players missed their respective penalties. Messi failed to go past Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson during their group stage match. It was Messi’s 24th miss of his career. Days after Messi’s miss, Ronaldo also failed to net one penalty when Portugal were playing against Iran. His miss cost Portugal the number one spot in the group. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Here's How the Two Star Footballers Missed Penalties at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Defending Champions Germany Knocked Out After First Round: Germany became the fourth defending champion after France 2002, Italy 2010 and Spain 2014 to be knocked out of the tournament in the group stage. Germany lost to Mexico in their opening game. Though the team bounced back to register a win against Sweden, however a shock loss in their last group game against South Korea resulted in their elimination.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2018 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).