The curtains for the FIFA World Cup 2018 were finally drawn on Sunday night with France triumphing 4-2 over Croatia to bag the coveted trophy.
But as the World Cup fever finally comes to an end, there are moments of joy, pain, loss and victory that will make the 2018 World Cup forever memorable to Kenyans.
The Croatia Allure
The most outstanding moment is arguably the worthy fight by Croatia, an unexpected world finalist that ended up winning the hearts of many in Kenya and globally.
Kenyans, in particular, were drawn by the charming demeanour of the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.
The 50-year-old, who is the 4th President, stuck by her team in Moscow making several appearances to cheer her boys. When Croatia finally lost to France at the finals, Kolinda was right at the Luzhniki Stadium hugging them, weeping with them.
The Neymar Challenge
Brazilian star Neymar da Silva Santos became an instant social media sensation after staging a roll up in the field while holding his leg.
Many perceived the moment as a pure play act which saw millions of netizens from across the globe mock him by drawing humour from his act.
How the like of Messi CR7 Neymar will be watching #WorldCupFinal2018 #FRACRO pic.twitter.com/UwpvNnPhMA
— Solo De Boy (@soulqyp_kenya) July 15, 2018
Rt @FootyHumour ; Someone created a Neymar alphabet. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/6GCB9G5c7Q
— Ken Leshan Sankale (@Kenya_Librarian) July 15, 2018
Neymar should not even cry. Bora uhai ama namna gani pic.twitter.com/kJ8HPtVbXE
— its coming home (@AmandaAndala) July 6, 2018
Over di Bar - The Nigerian Magic
The clip of a Nigerian fan predicting that a penalty shootout by Iceland would fly high across the goal bar went viral globally.
True to his prediction, the ball conveniently sailed over the bar giving Nigeria victory over Iceland.
The phrase became so famous that it found its way into a song composed by Dr Ofweneke, Godson Jawabu, Mc Price and Ndume.
Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 54:17, the artists sing that "Every weapon fashioned against you shall not hit its target. It shall go Over Di Bar!"
''OVER DI BAR''SONG BY Dr Ofweneke.,.,., Aki hii kenya Sihami tena.,.
— Ang'ana Tedd (@AnganaTedd) July 9, 2018
The VAR Controversy
The video assistant referee (VAR) was one of the most contentious topics in the entire world cup.
During the Russia World Cup, Kenyans took humour in the losses especially on the betting of games to the VAR technology.
With access to 33 broadcast cameras, the VAR technology is used to intervene when there are "clear and obvious mistakes" during the game which might go unnoticed by the referees.
The Croatia-France Final Spectacle
The climax of the World Cup was the magnicent closing ceremony, the final fight off between Croatia and France and the crowning of the latter as the Champions.
Arguably the most watched match in the entire world cup, the Kenyan audience was not left out as citizens and their leaders gathered at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Those who convened at KICC to watch the final match include Deputy President William Ruto, Nairobi MPs Esther Passaris, Johnson Sakaja and Tourism CS Najib Balala.
Joined the footballing world to watch the World Cup Final 2018 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi County. pic.twitter.com/zN5x1E5x4S
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 15, 2018
Sports serves up affection, emotions, memories and solidarity. The World Cup has been a magnificent spectacle with host Russia being a melting pot of culture and diversity. pic.twitter.com/IM5939TpVX
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 15, 2018
