Who will be Win World Cup Final Between France and Croatia?

About Team

France: Teenager Kylian Mbappe has set tongues wagging all tournament. The 19-year-old striker — who joined French giant Paris Saint-Germain on a whopping $295 million transfer fee from Monaco — became the second-youngest player to find the back of the net at a World Cup after Brazilian legend Pele, and has scored three goals for the tournament.

His biggest asset is his pace but he also has plenty of finesse with the ball at his feet, as shown by his spectacular back-flick against Belgium that sent the internet wild.

Midfielder Paul Pogba pulls the strings for his side and constantly looks to thread passes behind defences for Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. He was the architect of France’s win over Belgium, leading Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to declare: “He played with great maturity. When he had to hold position and keep control of the game, he did.

Croatia: Luka Modric doesn’t find the spotlight stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi command, but the crafty central midfielder deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as them. He has every right to be classed as the best player in the world right now and has been the main reason Croatia has made it this far.

The 32-year-old’s passing range, ability to dissect defences and play teammates into space with inch-perfect through balls and incredible defensive workrate make him the backbone of the Croatian side.

Croatia will be looking for leadership from striker Mario Mandzukic, who has experience playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Bayern Munich and his current home Juventus. He scored the extra-time winner against England and fans will he hoping he repeats the dose against France.

 Who Will Win?

According to bookmakers, France.

France boasts star quality with a host of individual gamebreakers. It also has the added benefit of playing with fresh legs, having enjoyed an extra day’s rest than Croatia and is yet to be part of a match that’s gone into extra time.

However, the team’s temperament will be tested if it goes down an early goal and the mental fragility that has plagued French sides in the past may come into play if the pressure cranks up.

Croatia will be intent on making the most of its gilt-edged opportunity to lift football’s most prestigious trophy as the players that form its “golden generation” get their best chance to shine on the global stage.

Players like Modric, Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic are all aged between 29-32 and are in their prime. Croatian fans will be of the belief they’ll be waiting a long time before getting as good a chance as this to win a World Cup.

Physically, Croatia must be spent. Its last three matches have all gone to extra time — making contests 120 minutes rather than the usual 90 — and two of them have gone to penalties, adding further mental strain on what’s been an emotional rollercoaster.

On the negative side, that may see coach Zlatko Dalic’s troops fatigue quicker than their opponents as the clock winds down. However, they might view their tough road to the final as a positive, knowing they’ve been able to overcome every hurdle put in front of them.

For what it’s worth, we’re tipping France to win 1-0 in extra time.