A final clash between the two best teams for the ultimate prize, let's take a look at the most fiery tussles to keep an eye on from the match
Luka Modric and Antoine Greizmann
It’s time for the final face-off of the World Cup 2018 and we have two contenders to take the throne. On one hand France has galloped to the finals after topping their group and conquering heavyweights in the knockouts such as Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium. Croatia on the other hand has shown absolute relentless never-say-die attitude to reach the final frontier, on the way they knocked out Denmark and Russia in penalties, Croatia then upset high-flying England in added time and now they are just one step away from lifting their first ever FIFA World Cup trophy.
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Let’s take a look at the top 5 battles to watch out for in the all important final:
MARIO MANDZUKIC vs RAPHAEL VARANE
This will be the most grueling battle in-front of the French goal-post. Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winner against England will keep probing t to get an inch or two behind the French defenders, but Raphael Varane whose stoic defense has led to France keeping four clean-sheets already in the tournament will leave no stone unturned to bind Mario Mandzukic in his shackles.
PAUL POGBA vs LUKA MODRIC
Paul Pogba has manned the mid-field for France with pin-point long balls, accurate through balls and strong hold up of play in the defensive midfield, where as Croatia captain Luka Modric has been the talisman for the team with his goals (2), and defense splitting assists to Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic in-front of goal. It will be a direct face-off between the two in Sunday’s final and will be interesting to see who prevails in the battle between strength and wizardry.
KYLIAN MBAPPE vs DEJAN LOVREN
The battle between France’s 19-year old sensation Kylian Mbappe and Croatia’s defensive mainstay Dejan Lovren will perhaps be the most crucial battle of the FIFA World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe has headlined the tournament so far with his speed, stamina and unbelievable precision in front of goal. In the knockout match between France and Argentina, where all eyes were on Lionel Messi for a master-class, Kylian Mbappe stole the limelight with two brilliant goals and one incredible 40-yard dash towards Argentina’s goal-line which earned France a penalty. France won that match 4-3 and there was a new superstar on the horizon. Dejan Lovren has also been fantastic for Croatia in their defensive half and it will be Lovren’s responsibility to halt France’s teenage juggernaut.
DOMAGOJ VIDA vs ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Another important tussle in Croatia’s defensive end will be the tussle between France’s goal-poacher Antoine Griezmann and Croatian defender Domagoj Vida. One of the world’s best forwards Antoine Griezmann has been on the mark for France with three goals so far and will be looking to increase his tally. Whereas Domagoj Vida has pace and strength to tackle the danger posed by Antoine Griezmann. Big players step up on the biggest occasions and Antoine Griezmann will be looking to write his name in the history books of FIFA World Cup finals.
DANIJEL SUBASIC vs HUGO LLORIS
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic have both been heroic in front of goal for their teams. Danijel Subasic has kept a cool head and shown off lightening reflexes to win two penalty-shootouts for Croatia against Denmark and Russia. As for Hugo Lloris, the France goalkeeper has not let much past him and into the goal with four clean sheets in the World Cup 2018. So if the match does go to penalties, Hugo Lloris and Danijel Subasic will be eager to turn showstoppers for their countries to take either France or Croatia to World Cup 2018 glory.
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