15/07/2018
Finals: One that none had predicted at the start : Vs
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, MOSCOW: 20:30 Hrs IST, 15th July 2018
Didier , captained France in 1998 for World Cup glory and is determined to repeat the feat as coach this time around. He has a star studded line up who are strong favourites to win.
Croatia have displayed resolve, perseverance and quality to overcome stalwarts , and enroute to their first ever World Cup. They are led by Real Madrid's Luka who will give a fight to take back the cup to the Balkans for the first time in history.
So which team has the edge going into today’s final?
Goalkeeper
French Goalie & No. 1 Hugo has produced a few world-class saves - from Martin in the quarterfinal vs. , and Toby against . Lloris can be unsettled when he has the ball at his feet, so Croatia will look to target this weakness and hope that their goalkeeper, Danijel , can maintain his remarkable form in Russia.
Subasic, a hero of two penalty shootouts and played in the semifinal win against England despite having injured his hamstring in the quarterfinal against Russia. He is definitely a determined wall for the French.
Advantage: Evens
Defence
France conceded three in their remarkable 4-3 win against in the round of 16.
Croatians defence was dismantled multiple times by the pace and movement of Raheem , Jesse and Dele , before nerves set in.
France’s bullet - Kylian , will exploit Croatia's weaknesses at the back and trust their own back-line, marshalled by Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane, to win their battles. has already showcased strength at many occasions on defence.
French have a strong defence advantage.
Advantage: France
Midfield
Croatia are a match for any team in the world with their midfield triangle of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic, but they are up against a formidable unit in N'Golo , Paul and Blaise . While the French midfield is taller and stronger, Croatia’s vehement intelligence will be advantageous.
Kante has been one of the stars of the tournament, while Pogba has quietly -- unusually for him -- gone about his business impressively.
and are world-class performers for club and country, though, so this will be the key tactical clash of the game.
Edge: Evens
Forwards
France are blessed with some of the hottest attacking talent in the world right now and arguably possess the best options of any team in Russia.
& have already displayed his incredible ability at this World Cup. The power and strength of furthers their crucial attacking dimension. 's youthful talent and speed down have drawn from the substitution.
Croatia are more experienced and battle-hardened with veteran Mario leading the line. Wingers and are dangers and they will need to be on top of their game if Croatia are to have any hope.
Advantage: France
Managers
If pedigree could call the winner - would be the name on the trophy: A World Cup-winning captain in 1998 and a player who also won the Champions League twice, with and .
In the other dug-out, Zlatko is the underdog who barely has any specials apart from coaching assignments in Albania, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, last October.
Dalic has a great relationship with the team and plans well with the seniors - Modric, Rakitic and Mandzukic.
He has hugely over-performed to get Croatia to the final, so all the pressure on Sunday will be on Deschamps, whose last final saw France lose to Portugal in Paris at Euro 2016.
Advatange: France
While France surely has an edge, Croatia have fought all their games extremely well with 3 of their wins coming from a shootout. If it comes to that, will the Croats have the energy to match the extra freshness and depth of France?
And while we say this, France choked in the Euro 2016 final, will they choke again?
Advantage: France
Prediction
France 2-1 Croatia
