President Kovind, PM Modi laud France on FIFA victory

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the French football team for winning the second FIFA World Cup title after defeating Croatia 4-2.

President Kovind took to Twitter to praise the players of France and also greeted Croatia for their performance.

"Congratulations to the determined players from France for winning the FIFA World Cup! Special wishes to the gallant Croatia team #PresidentKovind," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi also congratulated France for their 'wonderful' performance throughout the tournament.

"An excellent match! Congratulations to France for winning the @FIFAWorldCup. They played wonderfully through the tournament and during the #WorldCupFinal @EmmanuelMacron. I also congratulate Croatia for their spirited game. Their performance in the World Cup has been historic," Prime Minister Modi Tweeted.

The Prime Minister also lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin for successfully organising the month-long tournament.

"I congratulate President Putin and the people of Russia for the successful organisation of the @FIFAWorldCup 2018. The tournament was memorable and widely watched. @KremlinRussia_E @KremlinRussia," the prime minister Tweeted.

Putting an end to its 20-year-long wait, France on Sunday won its second FIFA World Cup title after defeating Croatia in a high-octane final at the Luzhniki Stadium here.

In a tournament filled with dramatic ups and downs, France stood tall in the end, keeping cool at all times despite not being in its sublime form in the group stage.

France took a lead in the 18th minute after Mario Mandzukic scored an own goal while heading away a free kick from Antoine Griezmann.