Pogba stepped up on the big stage
The midfield battle between N’Golo Kante/Paul Pogba and Ivan Rakitic/Luka Modric was set to be one of the most intriguing of this encounter, and yet that’s not how it turned out. Remove Pogba’s goal from the equation and it was evident that there was an element of control in the centre by Croatia – especially in the first half.
Paul Pogba has been forced to weather a lot of criticism at this tournament. But the truth is he has been one of France’s most important and influential players, particularly during the group stage when he dragged his team-mates through gruelling matches against Australia and Peru.
Pogba was equally important here, but this time stepped directly into the spotlight with his brilliant second-half goal – France’s third. His first shot was blocked, but he steered his second bite at the cherry confidently past Danijel Subašić and into the corner of Croatia’s goal.
As Kante was having an off-day, it was left to Pogba to do the work of two men. The Man United midfielder has been terrific for much of this tournament and today was no different – tracking back when needed, selflessly putting the team first and being the team’s “water carrier.” His goal, a brilliant finish and just reward for his performance, was a natural consequence rather than a forced moment.