The Manchester United midfielder netted a stunning third goal for France in the second half of their pulsating 4-2 victory over Croatia in Sunday’s final in Moscow, following up his initial blocked shot with a rasping effort from the edge of the box which flew past Croatia keeper Danijel Subašiu0107.
It was our no.6’s first goal of the tournament and he left it for the biggest occasion. Paul also became the first United player to score in a World Cup final and the first Premier League player to net in the showpiece event since Emmanuel Petit, once of Arsenal, when France were last crowned world champions as the host nation in 1998.