Moscow: Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic wrote his name into the history books for all the wrong reasons as he became the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final, here on Sunday.
Mandzukic, who scored the winner against England in extra time of the second semifinal, nodded an Antoine Griezmann free-kick into his own net as Croatia conceded an early goal against France.
It was the 12th own goal scored at Russia 2018, the highest tally in a World Cup edition.
The previous highest tally was just six at France 1998.
The trend of own goals in Russia began when Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz diverted into his own net to give Iran a late victory in their Group B opener.
Juventus star Mandzukic had the consolation of pulling one back in the final as he captitalised on a blunder by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. But it proved too little too late as the Croats lost 4-2.
Own goals at Russia 2018:
Aziz Bouhaddouz of Morocco (FT Morocco 0-1 Iran)
Aziz Behich of Australia (FT Australia 1-2 France)
Oghenekaro Etebo of Nigeria (FT Nigeria 0-2 Croatia)
Thiago Cionek of Poland (FT Poland 1-2 Senegal)
Ahmed Fathy of Egypt (FT Russia 3-1 Egypt)
Denis Cheryshev of Russia (FT Uruguay 3-0 Russia)
Yann Sommer of Costa Rica (FT Switzerland 2-2 Costa Rica)
Edson Alvarez of Sweden (FT Mexico 0-3 Sweden)
Yassine Meriah of Tunisia (FT Panama 1-2 Tunisia)
Sergei Ignashevich of Russia (FT Spain 1-1 Russia - Russia won the pre-quarterfinals on penalties)
Fernandinho of Brazil (FT Brazil 1-2 Belgium - quarterfinal)
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia (Croatia 2-4 France – final)
