Controversy just over a quarter of an hour played in the 2018 World Cup Final, Antoinne Griezmann conned the referee into giving a free-kick, from which France scored.
The 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia didn't take long to throw up some controversy. The French scored in the 18th minute, thanks to a Mandzukic own-goal, but it came directly from a very questionable free-kick.
Griezmann dive leads to goal
Croatia came out of the blocks quickly in the nation's first ever Fifa showpiece final. The first 15 minutes saw much of the play towards the Hugo Lloris' area with Les Bleus only mustering a few breakaway opportunities. Then came the moment when Griezmann went down.
About half-way inside the Croatian half, a challenge looked as though it was coming in to the Atlético man, but before any hint of contact was made, he flicked back his leg and fell to the turf. That was enough for referee Pitana to give the dead ball situation. Griezmann took the free-kick himself, sent it into the crowded penalty area, and the unlucky Mandzukic directed it off his head and past his own keeper.
Another element of that opening goal that has been questioned is that French player Ngolo Kante appeared to be standing in an offside position as the free-kick was struck, and then seemed to interfere with the jumping players.