2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Preview: France v Croatia
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ - News - Preview: France v Croatia
- World Cup Final takes place on 15 July at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium
- France saw off Belgium, Croatia defeated England after extra time to reach finale
- THE LATEST: #FRACRO LIVE BLOG updating now
And then there were two. 63 games filled with drama, intrigue, set-piece goals and surprise results have determined our finalists: France and Croatia. There is a distinctly 1998 feel to this World Cup Final, evoking more than a few memories of the global finals which saw France emerge victorious on home soil two decades ago.
Vatreni will be out for revenge from their final four defeat against Les Bleus back in 1998, with the then debutants denied a place in a maiden Final by Lilian Thuram’s only international goals. France will be hoping their captain in the Final that followed that semi-final victory just over 20 years ago is their good luck charm at the Luzhniki Stadium. Didier Deschamps could become only the third man – after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer – to lift the Trophy as a player and coach, if he can replicate from the dugout the successful Final he had against A Seleção in 1998.
Despite the deep connections to the past, these sides are very much living in the here and now. France were functional and firm against Belgium to see off the Red Devils 1-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final while Croatia needed extra time – for the third consecutive game – to defeat England at the Luzhniki on Wednesday. Can Croatia go one better than their heroes of ’98 – or will it be Deschamps’ day once again in world football’s biggest game? The globe will be watching, and impatiently waiting for an answer.
Zlatko Dalic and Luka Modric of Croatia celebrate
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Zlatko Dalic and Luka Modric of Croatia celebrate victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England clears the ball under pressure from Mario Mandzukic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England clears the ball under pressure from Mario Mandzukic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kyle Walker of England clashes with Ivan Perisic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kyle Walker of England clashes with Ivan Perisic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Marcus Rashford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Marcus Rashford of England reacts following Croatia second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and John Stones of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and John Stones of England chat with Referee Cuneyt Cakir during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on in the tunnel before the second half of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores his team’s first goal
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia players make their way to the pitch for second half
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Croatia players make their way to the pitch for second hals during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Perisic of Croatia is challenged by Kieran Trippier of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Ivan Perisic of Croatia is challenged by Kieran Trippier of England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia players celebrate
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Croatia players celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Henderson of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jordan Henderson of England reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores scores
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores scores his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia looks on
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England wins a header over Ivan Rakitic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England wins a header over Ivan Rakitic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England celebrates with team mate Harry Kane
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England celebrates with team mate Harry Kane after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England gathers the ball
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England gathers the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
England v Croatia: England fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: England fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
A Croatia fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: A Croatia fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia warms up
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia warms up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the Croatia dressing room
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: General view inside the Croatia dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the England dressing room
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: General view inside the England dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Gareth Southgate, Manager of England consoles Harry Kane
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England consoles Harry Kane of England following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Harry Kane of England , Jordan Pickford of England and Harry Maguire of England sing their National Anthem during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia celebrates following his team’s victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli of England look dejected
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli of England look dejected following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England reacts following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Team reporter analysis
Adrien Gingold [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
If the next step is the most beautiful, it’s the most difficult one too. French players, who still have the sour taste of the UEFA EURO 2016 final defeat against Portugal in their mouth, logically appeared very focused this week in Istra. But still, they didn’t lose their relaxed nature and have said they will prepare this final as a normal match. To be world champions, Les Bleus will have to win the physical challenge imposed by the Croatians. As the world saw against England, they will be dangerous until the very end. But France have already shown how solid they can be. May the best team win!
Vjekoslav Paun with Croatia [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
No one expected Croatia to be here. But Vatreni deserve their place in this glorious, magical finale. And they will not be tired, for sure. Just ask England. This despite the fact that Croatia have now played a full 90 minutes more than France. If Croatia can clear one more hurdle, they will make history. This ‘golden generation’ led by Luka Modric, will not be overawed by the fact they are simply in the final; Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic have already scored goals in past UEFA Champions League finals. Zlatko Dalic’s team are one step away from immortality. And they are well aware of that.
Did you know?
The last Final not decided after extra time or penalties was 16 years ago, back in 2002 with each of the last two World Cup finals finishing 1-0 after a goal in extra time. The last player to score a goal in the regular 90 minutes of a World Cup Final was Marco Materazzi, for Italy against France in 2006.
Possible line-ups
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.
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World Cup 2018
World Cup Final takes place on 15 July at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium
France saw off Belgium, Croatia defeated England after extra time to reach finale
THE LATEST: #FRACRO LIVE BLOG updating now
And then there were two. 63 games filled with drama, intrigue, set-piece g...
- World Cup Final takes place on 15 July at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium
- France saw off Belgium, Croatia defeated England after extra time to reach finale
- THE LATEST: #FRACRO LIVE BLOG updating now
And then there were two. 63 games filled with drama, intrigue, set-piece goals and surprise results have determined our finalists: France and Croatia. There is a distinctly 1998 feel to this World Cup Final, evoking more than a few memories of the global finals which saw France emerge victorious on home soil two decades ago.
Vatreni will be out for revenge from their final four defeat against Les Bleus back in 1998, with the then debutants denied a place in a maiden Final by Lilian Thuram's only international goals. France will be hoping their captain in the Final that followed that semi-final victory just over 20 years ago is their good luck charm at the Luzhniki Stadium. Didier Deschamps could become only the third man - after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer - to lift the Trophy as a player and coach, if he can replicate from the dugout the successful Final he had against A Seleção in 1998.
Despite the deep connections to the past, these sides are very much living in the here and now. France were functional and firm against Belgium to see off the Red Devils 1-0 in Tuesday's semi-final while Croatia needed extra time - for the third consecutive game - to defeat England at the Luzhniki on Wednesday. Can Croatia go one better than their heroes of '98 - or will it be Deschamps' day once again in world football's biggest game? The globe will be watching, and impatiently waiting for an answer.
Zlatko Dalic and Luka Modric of Croatia celebrate
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Zlatko Dalic and Luka Modric of Croatia celebrate victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England clears the ball under pressure from Mario Mandzukic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England clears the ball under pressure from Mario Mandzukic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Sime Vrsaljko of Croatia celebrates victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kyle Walker of England clashes with Ivan Perisic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kyle Walker of England clashes with Ivan Perisic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Marcus Rashford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Marcus Rashford of England reacts following Croatia second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and John Stones of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia and John Stones of England chat with Referee Cuneyt Cakir during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Zlatko Dalic, Head coach of Croatia looks on in the tunnel before the second half of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores his team's first goal
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia players make their way to the pitch for second half
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Croatia players make their way to the pitch for second hals during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Ivan Perisic of Croatia is challenged by Kieran Trippier of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Ivan Perisic of Croatia is challenged by Kieran Trippier of England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Croatia players celebrate
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Croatia players celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Henderson of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Henderson of England reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores scores
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores scores his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia looks on
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England wins a header over Ivan Rakitic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England wins a header over Ivan Rakitic of Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England celebrates with team mate Harry Kane
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England celebrates with team mate Harry Kane after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England gathers the ball
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England gathers the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Kieran Trippier of England scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Kieran Trippier of England scores past Danijel Subasic of Croatia his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scores his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
England v Croatia: England fans enjoy the pre-match atmosphere
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: England fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
A Croatia fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: A Croatia fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia warms up
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia warms up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the Croatia dressing room
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: General view inside the Croatia dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
General view inside the England dressing room
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: General view inside the England dressing room prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Gareth Southgate, Manager of England consoles Harry Kane
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England consoles Harry Kane of England following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire of England
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Harry Kane of England , Jordan Pickford of England and Harry Maguire of England sing their National Anthem during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Luka Modric of Croatia celebrates
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Luka Modric of Croatia celebrates following his team's victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli of England look dejected
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli of England look dejected following their sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Jordan Pickford of England reacts
11 Jul 2018
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford of England reacts following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Team reporter analysis
Adrien Gingold [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
If the next step is the most beautiful, it's the most difficult one too. French players, who still have the sour taste of the UEFA EURO 2016 final defeat against Portugal in their mouth, logically appeared very focused this week in Istra. But still, they didn't lose their relaxed nature and have said they will prepare this final as a normal match. To be world champions, Les Bleus will have to win the physical challenge imposed by the Croatians. As the world saw against England, they will be dangerous until the very end. But France have already shown how solid they can be. May the best team win!
Vjekoslav Paun with Croatia [Follow: Twitter | Facebook]
No one expected Croatia to be here. But Vatreni deserve their place in this glorious, magical finale. And they will not be tired, for sure. Just ask England. This despite the fact that Croatia have now played a full 90 minutes more than France. If Croatia can clear one more hurdle, they will make history. This 'golden generation' led by Luka Modric, will not be overawed by the fact they are simply in the final; Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic have already scored goals in past UEFA Champions League finals. Zlatko Dalic's team are one step away from immortality. And they are well aware of that.
Did you know?
The last Final not decided after extra time or penalties was 16 years ago, back in 2002 with each of the last two World Cup finals finishing 1-0 after a goal in extra time. The last player to score a goal in the regular 90 minutes of a World Cup Final was Marco Materazzi, for Italy against France in 2006.
Possible line-ups
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.
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Our Russia 2018 Fan Zone gives you access to World Cup games, contests and prizes. Play Fantasy, Predict Matches, Explore our Fan Movement, Collect Panini stickers and vote for World Cup awards.
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