Top 18 moments of FIFA World Cup 2018

France won the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup after defeating Croatia 4-2 in the Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. Thirty-two teams had qualified for the tournament and played sixty-four matches across twelve stadiums in Russia.

Fighting all the odds, France and Croatia had reached the finals of World Cup 2018. During the tournament, several records were made and many were broken.

Here are the best moments from the World Cup 2018.

1. France 4-2 victory in the final of World Cup 2018

France overwhelmed Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium to lift the trophy for the second time in 20 years.

2. Croatia's fairytale run

Croatia reached a tournament final of any kind for the first time history. They were semi-finalists in their first World Cup appearance in 1998 after gaining independence following the breakup of Yugoslavia but lost to eventual winners France 2-1.

3. Kylian Mbappe's goal in world cup final

After Brazilan legend Pele, French teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe for becoming the second youngest player to score a goal in the World Cup final.

4. Ivan Perisic's equaliser in World Cup final

Despite playing in an immense pressure, Croatian striker kept his cool to scored a stunner to equalise in the 28th minute.

5. End to England's penalty curse

England defeated Colombia after the penalties shootout in the Round of 16 to enter the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2018. They overcame nearly 30 years of penalty curse.

6. Russia 5-0 triumph

The world cup started with an outstanding performance of hosts Russia when they thrashed Saudi Arabia, 5-0. The match was a great moment itself but it became even better in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino sat in between a shrugging Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The reaction of Putin after Russia's second goal stole the show.

7. The Iberian derby and Ronaldo's hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Portugal's opener clash to settle a 3-3 draw against Spain. There was nothing better than a 6-goal thriller Iberian derby in the World Cup. Ronaldo's treble was also the 51st hat-trick scored in World Cup history.

8. First VAR-aided penalty

Video Assistant Referee was one of the most discussed topics of the World Cup. There were many debates over its accuracy. However, VAR helped France at many occasions, first French striker Antoine Griezmann converted the first VAR-aided penalty and Les Bleus also got a VAR-aided penalty in the final match of World Cup, that was also scored by Griezmann.

9. Toni Kroos' extra-time stunner

Toni Kroos' extra-time-stunner when he scored in the 95th minute to save Germany in the 21st edition of football World Cup while playing against Sweden. The clash between Germany and Sweden was on the verge of a draw but Toni Kroos took advantage and struck a curling free-kick to seal the victory.

10. Panama's first ever World Cup goal

Debutant nation Panama returned home without earning a single point as they all three Group matches. They were defeated 1-7 by England but that 1 goal meant so much to the Panama fans it brought many of them to tears.

11. Senegal's warm-up dance

This was probably one of the best warm-up routines and the dance reminds of the era of "Looney Tunes."

12. Fans clean up the mess

Japan football team has set an example in this World Cup for other teams. Japanese supporter set an example of being the best fans at the World Cup 2018 as they collected the garbage from the stands in the moments after they watched Japan's crushing loss to Belgium.

13. Mexico fans celebrate Germany's ouster

Following Germany's defeat by South Korea in the Group stage, Mexico fans hunted down a South Korean ambassador and encouraged him to drink tequila shots with them in celebration of Germany's unexpected ouster.

14. Messi's master class against Nigeria

Runners-up of FIFA World Cup 2014 - Argentina - suffered a tragic fate in the World Cup 2018. After drawing the first match to Iceland, they faced a crushing defeat by Croatia. In the third match, Messi a fantastic goal in Argentina's 2-1 victory over Nigeria to enter the Last 16. It was also the 100th goal of World Cup 2018.

15. Mohammed Salah's first World Cup goal

Egyptian King Mohamad Salah scored his first World cup goal against Russia in the Group stage of FIFA World Cup 2018.

16. Cristiano Ronaldo assists Edinson Cavani

Cavani scored two brilliant goals against Portugal in Uruguay's 2-1 victory in the last 16. He was politely escorted off the field by the grace of Cristiano Ronaldo.

17. Maradona and his bizarre reactions

The world is talking about the fans frenzy, and Argentine legendary footballer Diego Maradona is no where less when compared to fans at World cup. He was on cloud nine after Argentina scored its first goal in a must-win game against Nigeria.

Maradona, who was on the stands, stood up and thanked the god for the perfect start, as Argentina have not been up to the mark in the tournament.

18. Japan and its record streak

Japan defeated Colombia to become the first Asian nation to register a win over a South American country.

Japan were the only Asian nation in the 21st edition of football World Cup 2018 to progress into the Round of 16. They also created history to enter Last 16 with the help of FIFA's new tie-breaking "fair play" regulation, which compared the sides' disciplinary records across their three group matches.