France vs Croatia 15/07/18

15 July 2018

The most prestigious international tournament on the planet that started on 14 June in Moscow at the Luzhniki Arena will get its epilogue on 15 July with France looking to face off against Croatia in their first FIFA World Cup Final since 2006. Probably the most talented team of the final tournament experienced no troubles whatsoever on their road to the final match, comfortably going past the group stage from the top spot of Group C in front of Denmark. Les Bleus haven’t lost a single game since the start of the World Cup, recording two wins and a draw in the group phase after which they have eliminated Argentina in the round of 16 by four goals to three before defeating Uruguay and Belgium, thus securing their place in the big final. As for the Blazers, they have wholly deserved to fight for the World Cup title considering their performance in Russia so far. Zlatko Dalic’s team finished top of Group D with all three victories before eliminating Denmark and Russia on penalties in the first two knockout stage rounds. The winners of the bronze medal in the 1998 World Cup managed to pull off an astonishing comeback against England in the semi-finals eventually outscoring the Three Lions by two goals to one despite trailing Southgate’s side for the majority of the match.

Didier Deschamps who led France to their first and only World Cup title as a captain in 1998 will have a chance to win the most significant international title as a coach, as he is expected to start the final at full strength considering all of his players are ready for the big showdown. On the other hand, Zlatko Dalic who has already sent Nikola Kalinic back home after a severe discussion in the locker room might opt to replace Ivan Strinic with Josip Pivaric who had an outstanding impact since entering the game against England.