World Cup Final: France vs Croatia - 20 years of fate
Twenty years have passed since France defeated Croatia at the Stade de France. Tonight, the Luzhniki will witness a rematch between the two teams, in a final match.
Comments
20 years ago at France 98, France celebrated their first World Cup title. On their way to the title, they overcame Croatia. Also at France 98, Croatia made history by reaching the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time.
That was the only encounter between France and Croatia before the 2018 World Cup. Ironically, after 20 years, the two teams met for the second time, in a match that was also historic.
If France wins, they will have their second World Cup and once again the 'underdogs' for France to advance to the Gold Cup will be Croatia. On the other hand, Croatia will have their first ever crown in history, becoming the 9th team to win the World Cup, becoming the 2nd smallest country after Uruguay to win.
 |
| Davor Suker gave Croatia the lead 20 years ago but France went on to win the match. |
"My mind chooses France but my heart chooses Croatia", that is probably the mood of many neutral fans at the moment. In terms of squad quality, France is clearly better than Croatia. They also have the advantage in physical strength when playing 90 minutes less and resting 1 more day.
But Croatia are truly creating a magical World Cup in Russia. Their presence in the final and their journey to Luzhniki tonight is nothing short of a fairy tale. And many people hope that Croatia's fairy tale will have a happy ending.
Will France continue to cause Croatia sorrow or will the Eastern European team repay the debt of 20 years ago? The whole world is anxiously waiting for the result after 90 minutes or so at Luzhniki.
Interesting statistics
- France are unbeaten against Croatia in five matches, winning three times.
- This will be France's sixth final in a major tournament (3 World Cups, 3 EUROs). They have won three of the previous five.
- 3/4 of France's starting defenders have scored at this World Cup (Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti).
- If he wins, Didier Deschamps will become the third person to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.
- All 13 of Giroud's shots at this World Cup were off target.
- Croatia is participating in a World Cup for the first time, they are the 13th country to do so. Good news for Croatia, the last 2 teams have both won the championship (France 1998 and Spain 2010).
- Croatia is the first team to reach the final after going through 3 knockout matches that required extra time and penalties.
- Croatia have scored in their last 10 World Cup games.
Force information
France:Blaise Matuidi's ability to play is still uncertain after being stunned in the semi-final.
Croatia:Ivan Perisic was absent from training on Friday but the situation does not appear to be too serious.
Expected lineup
France:Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante; Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Blaise Matuidi; Olivier Giroud.
Croatia:Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic.
Forecast:France 0-0 Croatia (Croatia wins on penalties)