Sunday World Cup Final Preview and Odds – France vs. Croatia

July 14, 2018 15:00pm – Luzhniki Stadium

Recent Form (All comps)

France: WWWDW

Croatia: DDDWW

The curtain will come down on Football’s global party on Sunday when well-fancied France take on outsiders Croatia in the FIFA World Cup final.

Many expected France to do well but there were question marks as to how far the tournament’s youngest squad could go. Having reached their first final since 2006, the French have answered emphatically. As well as having a young squad they also have plenty of depth and that has served them well so far.

The football hasn’t always been dazzling but Deschamps’ men have found a way to prevail against opposition of all levels. They come into this game on the back of 1-0 win over Belgium in a game they managed superbly from start to finish. Once Samuel Umtiti headed home the crucial goal, they never looked like letting go of their lead and ended the game with their second-straight clean sheet.

Croatia may have a population of under 5 million but they have already beaten their best ever World Cup performance (1998) by going all the way to the final. They have played some great football aling the way but have also shown a battling spirit that has carried them through some difficult moments in the tournament. Their last three games have all gone beyond 90 minutes.

They had to dig deep on Wednesday to come from a goal down against England but once they got the equaliser and forced extra-time, they never looked like losing. Experienced frontman Mario Mandzukic showed great composure to bag the winner.

France predicted starting XI:

Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Kante, Pogba, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.

Croatia predicted starting XI:

Subasic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic, Brozovic, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Rebic, Mandzukic.

Prediction

Croatia will need Luka Modric to be at his brilliant best to stand a chance and France will set out to nullify his influence. Meanwhile, Croatia will face an even tougher job dealing with the abundance of attacking talent that France possess.

Overall, France have been the best team in the tournament and if they are anywhere near their best they should overwhelm their opponents.

You can back France to win in 90 minutes at 10/11 with Betfair

 

 

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