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France coach Didier Deschamps gave full credit to his young squad for winning the World Cup with Sunday's 4-2 win over Croatia.
At an average age of 26 years and one month, France were the second-youngest squad to compete in Russia after only Nigeria, and were led by a teenager in 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who was named Best Young Player of the tournament after scoring four goals.
"How marvellous! It's a young team, who are on the top of the world," Deschamps said. "Some are champions at the age of 19.
"We did not play a huge game but we showed mental quality. And we scored four goals anyway. They deserved to win. The group worked so hard and we had some tough moments along the way. It hurt so much to lose the Euro two years ago, but it made us learn too.
Deschamps became just the third person to win the World Cup as a player and manager, after captaining France to the World Cup on home soil, but he deferred the honour to his players after the game.
"The win is not about me, it's the players who won the game. For 55 days, we have done a lot of work. It is the supreme coronation. We are proud to be French, to be Blues. The victory in the match belongs to them. Vive le Republic!"
Antoine Griezmann, who put France ahead from the penalty spot, said he was overwhelmed by the result.
"I do not know where I am! I am really happy," he said. "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 lift the cup and bring it back to France."
Robert Cianflone/FIFA via Getty Images
France defender Adil Rami did not play in a minute in the World Cup, but he was nevertheless thrilled to be on the winning side.
"World champion? It's a crazy thing," he said. "I do not dare to imagine what is happening in France. We have a country that has suffered a lot of misconceptions."
France's squad featured a number of players of African descent, a fact that divided some pundits in the country, but Rami said he embraced his heritage.
"Me, I'm French of Moroccan origin and I'm proud of it, proud to show that I'm not a thug, proud to make my country joyous like that," he said.
"I love France. I am too happy for everyone. This country deserves that. Today, everyone is partying, but becoming world champion in the most popular sport in the world is not easy. It takes too much sacrifice, too much work."
Source: espn.co.uk