The 2018 FIFA World Cup final is between France and Croatia. The final game will be played on Sunday 15 July, 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. 1998 World Cup winners – France will be making their third appearance at the final of the FIFA World Cup while Croatia are competing in their first ever FIFA World Cup final. There are two exciting possibilities presented as we approach kick off. Croatia can join the select group of nations that are world champions, there are only eight world champions now or France coach Didier Deschamps emulate Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbaeur to become the third man in history to win the FIFA World Cup as player and coach for his country.
Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana, along with his assistants Hernan Maidana and Juan Pablo Belatti, will officiate the Final. Pitana has refereed four matches in the tournament already including the opening game (Russia v Saudi Arabia) of the World Cup.
FRANCE v CROATIA – SUN. 15 JULY 2018, 16.00HRS
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FRANCE
After the disappointing Euro 2016 final loss to Portugal on home loss, Didier Deschamps team will aim to go a step better in Moscow when they play Croatia in the final of the World Cup. France, former world champions have played two World Cup final matches winning one on home soil while losing in Berlin 12 years ago. Will Les Blues and the entire nation celebrate their second world title on Sunday night?
France have not exactly set this tournament alight with sophisticated football but they have been effective and pragmatic. A true reflection of their coach’s philosophy and belief. A significant number of key players in this team were in the Silver medal squad at the Euros two years ago and most have shown maturity required to compete at this level. France finished as group winners in the group phase; they dispatched Argentina in the Round of 16, eliminated Uruguay in the quarter final and crushed the dreams of tournament favorite Belgium in the semis.
Les Blues squad is rich in depth and quality. Their attack possess all the elements – pace, guile and power. The midfield has been steady and solid if not spectacular. Raphael Varane has led effectively at the back with others pulling their weight. Hugo Lloris safe hands has provided confidence for his team, the skipper has made decisive and crucial saves throughout the tournament. He may not be rated as one of the best in his business but his consistency in goal over the past few years means he is a leader for his team.
CROATIA
Against all odds, Croatia are in the final of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. Croatia qualified for the World Cup via the play offs and were drawn into one of the toughest groups, the perceived Group of Death. Zlatko Dalic’s team waltzed through the group winning all three matches. Croatia saw off Denmark in the Round of 16 on penalties after 120 minutes of football, it was the same situation against host Russia in the quarter final and they required another 120 minutes to knock England out in the semis. It has been a tortuous road to the final for Vatreni (The Blazers).
Croatia may not have a very deep squad like the French but they are a very strong side with top players across the team. Danijel Subasic has impressed in this tournament. In defense, Dalic team have not been fantastic but they’ve got by with Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida and Strinic. The midfield has Captain Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, two of the best central midfielders in Europe. Ivan Perisic and Ante Rebic provid width in attack and Mario Mandzukic is the focal point leading the line. Croatia are a player less in Russia; Nikola Kalinic was sent home after the first game due to disciplinary issue. Dalic’s action was a clear message to the remaining members of the team that he would not tolerate nonsense in his camp. Luka Modric, Croatia midfield maestro is the leading candidate for the tournament golden ball award is the leader and skipper of this special group of Vatreni who have surpassed the trailblazing 1998 team. He carries the weight of a nation of his shoulders and he would be expected to lead the team on the pitch.
VERDICT – Who will win the 2018 FIFA World Cup final?
Croatia team fitness is a cause of concern, the Croats have played 120 minutes in all three knockout matches. Fatigue could set in the latter stages of this game. On paper, France have the better team and will certainly be fresher having played 90 minutes of football less than Croatia but Deschamps will remember that the 1998 French team which he was captain required extra time in two games enroute the final. Four of the last six World Cup finals have gone in Extra Time before a winner emerged, we anticipate another long evening in Moscow. Croatia have never beaten France in five previous meetings, although the last two encounters have ended in a draw. However, Croatia have shown the character of champions in this tournament, the ability to dig deep and find the extra bit required to succeed. The stars will be neatly aligned in Moscow skies on Sunday night for the winner. We are likely going to see a game with the odd goal winner.
We have a special promo for the France – Croatia game; The French to win the game in 90 minutes. Don’t miss it!
