OWN GOAL
Croatia started full of energy but fell behind when Mandzukic, who scored the extra-time winner against England in the semi-final, became the first man to score an own goal in a World Cup final when a Griezmann free kick skidded in off his head in the 18th minute. It was the 12th own goal of the tournament.
That meant it was the fourth successive knockout game in which Croatia conceded first but again they found a way back. Perisic, who got the equaliser against England, was on hand to level 10 minutes later, smashing in a low shot after Sime Vrsaljko had headed Luka Modric's free kick across the box.
But then came the moment that Croatian fans will argue about for the rest of their lives and which will keep the VAR debate at the top of the sport's agenda.
Perisic flapped an arm at a corner and seemed to have got away with it but, either because of or at the same time as a mass French player protest, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana conducted a protracted VAR review and awarded the 28th penalty of the tournament, another record.
Griezmann stroked the ball home in the 38th minute for his fourth goal of Russia 2018.
That made it the highest-scoring first half since 1974, when West Germany led the Netherlands 2-1 - also the final score - but this time there was more to come.
Croatia were on top again after the break, continually winning their one-on-one duels in the air and in every tackle and forging forward in the French box with plenty of variety.
But France's defence held and Deschamps' side went 3-1 up on the hour as Mbappe and Griezmann combined to set up Pogba on the edge of the box. The midfielder's right-footed shot was blocked but he coolly curved the rebound in with his left.
Six minutes later Lucas Hernandez tore down the left to set up Mbappe to drill a low shot beyond keeper Danijel Subasic for the brilliant 19-year-old young player of the tournament to score his fourth goal at the finals.
After three successive extra-time knockout games the chances of Croatia coming back again looked impossible but they were thrown a lifeline by Lloris, who tried to dribble round Mandzukic only for the striker to tap the ball into the unguarded net.
Croatia, beaten by the French in the semi-finals in their first World Cup appearance in 1998, continued to press, with player of the tournament Luka Modric industrious to the end, but their energy was sapped and France safely held out.
The heavens opened for the presentation in torrential rain but man of the match Griezmann could not have cared.
"I don't know where I am, I am really happy," he said as his team mates danced around him in celebration.
"It was a very difficult match, Croatia had a great game. We came back and we managed to make the difference. We cannot wait to bring the cup back to France."
Croatia will also go home to a heroes' welcome - surpassing the achievements of the famed class of '98 - and the way their shirtless fans sang and danced long after the final whistle on Sunday suggests that pride will soon overcome disappointment.