France’s Pavard wins World Cup goal of the tournament

Benjamin Pavard’s stunning long-range strike for France against Argentina has been named as the best goal of the 2018 World Cup by FIFA.

The 22-year-old Stuttgart right-back ran onto a left-wing cross from Lucas Hernandez and sent a right-footed half-volley from outside the area spinning into the top corner to level eventual champions France's last-16 tie with Argentina at 2-2 in the 57th minute in a compelling last-16 clash during this summer’s showpiece event in Russia.

Les Bleus eventually won the game 4-3 and went on to lift the trophy with further victories over Uruguay, Belgium and Croatia.

Pavard's effort won a public vote to be named the best of the 169 goals scored in the tournament, seeing off competition from Colombian midfielder Juan Quintero's free-kick against Japan and Luka Modric's goal in Croatia's group-stage thumping of Argentina.