By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Moscow, Russia
France won the Fifa World Cup for the second time by overcoming Croatia's bold challenge in a thrilling final in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.
Didier Deschamps' side repeated the success on home soil at France '98 by a margin that hardly looked possible as Croatia stood toe-to-toe with the favourites for an hour.
France's victory meant Deschamps, who captained them 20 years ago, became just the third man to win the competition as a player and coach.
Croatia also felt their luck deserted them, but ultimately France ran out victorious to erase the memories of the loss to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final in Paris.
In one of the most exciting World Cup finals of the modern era, played out to a soundtrack of thunder, Croatia and France delivered an enthralling spectacle that brought the joint highest goal tally in a final since 1958, a pitch invasion, and a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee that had a huge influence on the outcome.
France took the lead after 18 minutes when Antoine Griezmann's free-kick deflected in off Mario Mandzukic's head - but Croatia were by far the better side in the first half and deservedly equalised courtesy of Ivan Perisic's left-foot finish.
Croatia were left nursing a burning sense of injustice when France restored their lead seven minutes before half-time through Griezmann's penalty, awarded by referee Nestor Pitana for handball against Perisic after a lengthy delay while VAR was consulted.
In a compelling second half, France looked to have wrapped it up with two strikes in six minutes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe either side of the hour mark.
Croatia, however, showed unbreakable spirit and even threatened a comeback when Mandzukic took advantage of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hesitating over a clearance to pull a goal back.
But France closed out the win to bring redemption for Deschamps after defeat at the Euros two years ago, sparking wild celebrations and ensuring Lloris lifted the World Cup.
Quality and luck - a deadly combination
France are the team for all seasons - possessing an all-round quality that has carried them to this World Cup triumph.
When that is added to an element of good fortune, it can prove a deadly combination.
Croatia will complain bitterly that Griezmann went down theatrically for the free-kick that led to Mandzukic's own goal, and they will also feel Perisic's handball was not clear-cut enough for VAR to make that decisive intervention just before half-time.
What is not in doubt, however, is the sheer quality this France side possesses, a potent attack the spearhead for a strong midfield and outstanding defence.
When Croatia threatened to come back once more early in the second half, Pogba and Mbappe's strikes from the edge of the area past the static Danijel Subasic - who still looked less than fully fit after injuring a hamstring in the quarter-final against Russia - proved the defining passage of this final.
France celebrated joyously at the final whistle after claiming the sport's greatest trophy once more, with Deschamps - the coach whose conservative methods have often brought criticism - tossed high into the air by his players.
Croatia's pride and passion
Croatia return home as beaten World Cup finalists but their approach to this match will have won the hearts of neutrals and earned them a prolonged standing ovation from their fans at the final whistle.
Zlatko Dalic's side were the better team for the first hour despite trailing, and were pushing France back when they were hit by those two swift hammer blows from Pogba and Mbappe.
Croatia had done it the hard way to reach this final, winning on penalties in the last 16 and quarter-final against Denmark and hosts Russia respectively before requiring extra time to beat England in the semi-final.
Yet they showed no signs of tiredness as they tore into France from the first whistle, and even when the game looked out of reach they never once let their heads drop, threatening an unlikely comeback when Mandzukic cashed in on Lloris' error.
It was not to be but world-class midfielder Luka Modric has illuminated this World Cup, while the energy, commitment and threat of Perisic stood out here.
Croatia's footballers and their coach will return home as national heroes - a status they fully deserve after their contribution to this spectacular World Cup and their all-out approach to this final.
The great VAR debate
This was the first World Cup to utilise VAR - so it was perhaps inevitable it would play a major part in the final.
The moment came just before half-time when France's players appealed instantly for a penalty when a corner struck Perisic's hand at the near post.
Referee Pitana took what seemed an age to consult VAR - even having one last look to make sure after moving to turn away - before, to Croatia's horror and France's delight, pointing to the spot.
Croatia will argue it was not a 'clear and obvious' mistake and the handball was not a deliberate act on Perisic's part, and their pain increased as Griezmann slipped home the penalty that was to play a crucial role in the outcome.
Man of the match - Antoine Griezmann (France)
First PL player to score in final since '98 - the stats
![2018 2018](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123954109/408474652.jpg)
- Deschamps is the third person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, after Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer.
- France became the first team to score four goals in a World Cup final since Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in 1970.
- Croatia are the first team to lose in their first appearance in a World Cup final since the Netherlands in 1974 (2-1 v Germany).
- Mandzukic is the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final.
- Mbappe (19 years 207 days) is the second youngest player to score in a World Cup final, after Pele for Brazil in 1958 (17 years 249 days).
- Griezmann has scored 10 goals for France in major tournaments - only three players have scored more for Les Bleus (Michel Platini - 14, Just Fontaine - 13, Thierry Henry - 12).
- Perisic has been directly involved in 11 goals at major tournaments (7 goals, 4 assists), more than any other Croatia player.
- Perisic became only the second player to both score a goal, and concede a penalty in a World Cup final, after Marco Materazzi for Italy in 2006.
- Pogba became the first Manchester United player to score in a World Cup final, and the first Premier League player to do so since Emmanuel Petit in 1998.
- Pogba's goal for France was the first scored from outside the box in a World Cup final since Marco Tardelli for Italy v Germany in 1982.
- Mandzukic is only the second player in World Cup history to score a goal and an own goal in the same match, after the Netherlands' Ernie Brandts against Italy in 1978.
- Mandzukic became the fifth player to score in both World Cup and European Cup/Champions League finals after Ferenc Puskas, Zoltan Czibor, Gerd Muller and Zinedine Zidane.
Line-ups
France
- 1Lloris
- 2Pavard
- 4Varane
- 5Umtiti
- 21HernándezBooked at 41mins
- 10Mbappé
- 6Pogba
- 13KantéBooked at 27minsSubstituted forN'Zonziat 55'minutes
- 14MatuidiSubstituted forTolissoat 73'minutes
- 7Griezmann
- 9GiroudSubstituted forFekirat 81'minutes
Substitutes
- 3Kimpembe
- 8Lemar
- 11Dembélé
- 12Tolisso
- 15N'Zonzi
- 16Mandanda
- 17Rami
- 18Fekir
- 19Sidibe
- 20Thauvin
- 22Mendy
- 23Areola
Croatia
- 23Subasic
- 2VrsaljkoBooked at 90mins
- 6Lovren
- 21Vida
- 3StrinicSubstituted forPjacaat 81'minutes
- 11Brozovic
- 18RebicSubstituted forKramaricat 71'minutes
- 10Modric
- 7Rakitic
- 4Perisic
- 17Mandzukic
Substitutes
- 1Livakovic
- 5Corluka
- 8Kovacic
- 9Kramaric
- 12L Kalinic
- 13Jedvaj
- 14Bradaric
- 15Caleta-Car
- 19Badelj
- 20Pjaca
- 22Pivaric
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home34%
- Away66%
- Shots
- Home7
- Away14
- Shots on Target
- Home6
- Away4
- Corners
- Home2
- Away6
- Fouls
- Home13
- Away13
Live Text
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) July 11, 2018
English captain Harry Kane knows his side can perform better at the 2022 World Cup (via BreakingnewsUK.com):
It’s been great to get to this stage and we know we’ve done everyone proud, but we wanted to go on and we wanted to win it. We felt we were good enough and we felt we could have done that, but we fell a bit short. It hurts. The next step is now to go one further, it’s a great foundation we’ve built with the gaffer over the last couple of years and we just need to carry that on but we want more. We’re sad for the fans here and at home. We have to dust ourselves done and be proud of what we achieved and go again in a couple of years.
Ian Darke joked about the time between these England-Belgium matchups:
Coming up .the most pointless England v Belgium game since ..er, the last one two weeks ago.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) July 12, 2018
Kaveh Solhekol believes both teams should be gunning to claim third in this prestigious tournament:
Don’t understand everyone turning their noses up at England’s play off against Belgium. Not often you get chance to finish third in a World Cup
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 12, 2018
ESPN UK published a quote from England boss Gareth Southgate in wake of his squad’s loss in the semifinals:
Class from Gareth Southgate pic.twitter.com/ylJy5MeJtr
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 12, 2018
![Fifa Fifa](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123954109/515531256.jpg)
Southgate also claimed that he would have his players ready to perform with pride in the third-place game, even though it’s not a match they prefer to be involved with (via Sky News):
The honest thing is it's not a game any team wants to play in. We have two days to prepare. We will want to give a performance of huge pride. There's no question about that. It's always there every time we wear the shirt of our national team, we want to play with pride, we want to play well and win. Of course it is going to be a really difficult task over the next 24 hours to assess everybody and to get everybody mentally back to where we want them for a game like that.
France vs. Croatia World Cup Final
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic spoke about how his side would not give up against England (via Reuters):
Some players played with minor injuries with which they would not have played some other games. Two players played with half a leg, but it didn’t show. Nobody wanted to give in when I was preparing the first eleven, nobody wanted to say I was not ready in extra time, no one wanted to be subbed and this shows character and what makes me proud. Nobody gave up
FOX Soccer tweeted an interesting graphic to get fans hyped for the final:
France. Croatia.
THE FINAL IS SET pic.twitter.com/CZlaj7qvZe
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2018
Darren Lewis thinks that Croatia was a bit too confident after beating England:
Croatia ungraciously coating off England post-match, forgetting France are waiting for them in the Final. #goodluck
— Darren Lewis (@MirrorDarren) July 11, 2018
French star Paul Pogba stated that his squad is not going to make the same mistakes that it did by underestimating Portugal in the finals of Euro 2016 (via Reuters):
We are conscious of the situation, we do not want to make the same mistakes like two years ago. We want to work for it, to give everything we have to take this Cup home. I think at the Euro we thought it was already a done deal, the mentality was not the same as now. I cannot lie that when we beat Germany we thought that was the final. I know the taste of losing a final. I don’t want it to happen again. Against Portugal we thought we had won it before the start of the game. That will not happen again.
Rob Beckett isn’t exactly thrilled with this finals matchup:
I’ve got a confession. I spent a small fortune on travel, accommodation and a World Cup Final ticket. Now I’ve got to go and watch France v Croatia and I don’t know how to deal with it.
— Rob Beckett (@robbeckettcomic) July 11, 2018
UNILAD Football noted that this Croatia-France showdown keeps a certain streak alive:
After Croatia and France reached the final, the record of Inter Milan and Bayern Munich having a player in every World Cup final since 1982 is still preserved. Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic will represent Inter, while Corentin Tolisso plays for Bayern. pic.twitter.com/s0Fy3yHPKW
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) July 12, 2018
Croatia talisman Luka Modric revealed that his teammates were inspired by the disrespect they received from pundits (via USA Today):
We showed again we were not tired. We dominated the game physically, mentally, in all aspects. English journalists, pundits from television, they underestimated Croatia and that was a huge mistake. They should be more humble and respect more opponents. All these words from them we take, we were reading and we were saying, ‘OK, today we will see who will be tired’. It is the biggest success in Croatian history in sport and we have to be proud.
Tim and Sid pondered if the Blazers have enough left in the tank after all of their knockout stage matches went to extra time:
Will Croatia have enough left in the tank to take down France after all of the minutes they've racked up during this #WorldCup?@jamessharman stopped by #TimAndSid yesterday to chat about that with @evankaosmak and @donnovanbennett. pic.twitter.com/M8MKGmylbb
— Tim and Sid (@timandsid) July 12, 2018
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Picks One piece dubbed episodes free.
Belgium vs. England Third-Place Game
Prediction: Belgium 1 – England 0
France vs. Croatia World Cup Final
Prediction: France 1 – Croatia 1 (regulation), France 2 – Croatia 1 (AET)
2018 FIFA World Cup Results
Matchup | Group | Score |
Group Stage | ||
Thursday, June 14 | ||
Russia vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | RUS 5 – KSA 0 |
Friday, June 15 | ||
Egypt vs. Uruguay | Group A | URU 1 – EGY 0 |
Morocco vs. Iran | Group B | IRN 1 – MAR 0 |
Portugal vs. Spain | Group B | POR 3 – ESP 3 |
Saturday, June 16 | ||
France vs. Australia | Group C | FRA 2 – AUS 1 |
Argentina vs. Iceland* | Group D | ARG 1 – ISL 1 |
Peru vs. Denmark | Group C | DEN 1 – PER 0 |
Croatia vs. Nigeria | Group D | CRO 2 – NGA 0 |
Sunday, June 17 | ||
Costa Rica vs. Serbia | Group E | SRB 1 – CRC 0 |
Germany vs. Mexico | Group F | MEX 1 – GER 0 |
Brazil vs. Switzerland | Group E | BRA 1 – SUI 1 |
Monday, June 18 | ||
Sweden vs. South Korea | Group F | SWE 1 – KOR 0 |
Belgium vs. Panama | Group G | BEL 3 – PAN 0 |
Tunisia vs. England | Group G | ENG 2 – TUN 1 |
Tuesday, June 19 | ||
Colombia vs. Japan | Group H | JPN 2 – COL 1 |
Poland vs. Senegal | Group H | SEN 2 – POL 1 |
Russia vs. Egypt | Group A | RUS 3 - EGY 1 |
Wednesday, June 20 | ||
Portugal vs. Morocco | Group B | POR 1 – MAR 0 |
Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | URU 1 – KSA 0 |
Iran vs. Spain | Group B | ESP 1 – IRN 0 |
Thursday, June 21 | ||
Denmark vs. Australia | Group C | DEN 1 – AUS 1 |
France vs. Peru | Group C | FRA 1 – PER 0 |
Argentina vs. Croatia | Group D | CRO 3 – ARG 0 |
Friday, June 22 | ||
Brazil vs. Costa Rica | Group E | BRA 2 – CRC 0 |
Nigeria vs. Iceland | Group D | NGA 2 – ISL 0 |
Serbia vs. Switzerland | Group E | SUI 2 – SRB 1 |
Saturday, June 23 | ||
Belgium vs. Tunisia | Group G | BEL 5 – TUN 2 |
South Korea vs. Mexico | Group F | MEX 2 – KOR 0 |
Germany vs. Sweden | Group F | GER 2 – SWE 1 |
Sunday, June 24 | ||
England vs. Panama | Group G | ENG 6 – PAN 1 |
Japan vs. Senegal | Group H | JPN 2 – SEN 2 |
Poland vs. Colombia | Group H | COL 3 – POL 0 |
Monday, June 25 | ||
Uruguay vs. Russia | Group A | URU 3 – RUS 0 |
Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt | Group A | KSA 2 – EGY 1 |
Spain vs. Morocco | Group B | ESP 2 – MAR 2 |
Iran vs. Portugal | Group B | IRN 1 – POR 1 |
Tuesday, June 26 | ||
Denmark vs. France | Group C | FRA 0 – DEN 0 |
Australia vs. Peru | Group C | PER 2 – AUS 0 |
Nigeria vs. Argentina | Group D | ARG 2 – NGA 1 |
Iceland vs. Croatia | Group D | CRO 2 – ISL 1 |
Wednesday, June 27 | ||
South Korea vs. Germany | Group F | KOR 2 – GER 0 |
Mexico vs. Sweden | Group F | SWE 3 – MEX 0 |
Serbia vs. Brazil | Group E | BRA 2 – SRB 0 |
Switzerland vs. Costa Rica | Group E | SUI 2 – CRC 2 |
Thursday, June 28 | ||
Japan vs. Poland | Group H | POL 1 - JPN 0 |
Senegal vs. Colombia | Group H | COL 1 - SEN 0 |
England vs. Belgium | Group G | BEL 1 - ENG 0 |
Panama vs. Tunisia | Group G | TUN 2 - PAN 1 |
Knockout Stage | ||
Saturday, June 30 | ||
France vs. Argentina | R16 | FRA 4 – ARG 3 |
Uruguay vs. Portugal | R16 | URU 2 – POR 1 |
Sunday, July 1 | ||
Spain vs. Russia | R16 | RUS 1 (4) – ESP 1 (3) |
Croatia vs. Denmark | R16 | CRO 1 (3) – DEN 1 (2) |
Monday, July 2 | ||
Brazil vs. Mexico | R16 | BRA 2 – MEX 0 |
Belgium vs. Japan | R16 | BEL 3 – JPN 2 |
Tuesday, July 3 | ||
Sweden vs. Switzerland | R16 | SWE 1 – SUI 0 |
Colombia vs. England | R16 | ENG 1 (4) – COL 1 (3) |
Friday, July 6 | ||
France vs. Uruguay | QF | FRA 2 – URU 0 |
Brazil vs. Belgium | QF | BEL 2 – BRA 1 |
Saturday, July 7 | ||
England vs. Sweden | QF | ENG 2 – SWE 0 |
Croatia vs. Russia | QF | CRO 2 (4) – RUS 2 (3) |
Tuesday, July 10 | ||
France vs. Belgium | SF | FRA 1 – BEL 0 |
Wednesday, July 11 | ||
England vs. Croatia | SF | CRO 2 – ENG 1 (AET) |
HNS CFF is hoping that Lilian Thuram—who scored his only two international goals in 142 appearances during a 1998 semifinal victory over Croatia—doesn’t come out of retirement for this match:
Hey @FrenchTeam!
Just to make sure - Lilian Thuram is not in your #WorldCup squad this year, right?#WorldCupFinal#Vatrenipic.twitter.com/cd6CaEQFmo
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 13, 2018
FIFA World Cup took a look at the traits that make the Blazers a serious contender for a Jules Rimet trophy:
1. Collective motivation
2. Character
3. Self-confidence
We look at what could give #CRO an edge in Sunday's #WorldCupFinal
https://t.co/ddan8XTYZ6pic.twitter.com/95bY6uiuEg
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2018
French striker Kylian Mbappe stated that this World Cup run has surpassed anything he could have imagined (via Reuters):
It is unbelievable. It is the dream of dreams, the dream of the future, everything.I don’t have the words. Not even in my wildest dreams, and I am a big dreamer, would I have imagined this. There is still one more step to take, but we are proud of what we have done. In the changing room, Didier Deschamps was happy. We were all happy, all hugging. (France) President Emmanuel Macron came down to see us. Everyone is with us, we’re all in this together.
Deadspin is hoping that Croatia rocks their checkered kits on Sunday:
Dear Croatia, please wear your extra-cool checkerboard kits in the World Cup final: https://t.co/mOvZe5RNMJpic.twitter.com/gFIu5JfzNe
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) July 13, 2018
ESPN FC posted a video of former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba discussing the World Cup final:
![Final Final](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123954109/984868430.jpg)
Didier Drogba is backing France, but warns against underestimating Croatia. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/k9kHhbWQvU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 13, 2018
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said that his side is not as loaded with stars as some other squads that made the World Cup, but got this far by playing well together (via ESPN):
For me, Messi is the best player in the world and Neymar is very close. But at this World Cup, the star-studded teams relying on the big names are already on the beach. It's the compact, united teams fighting for something that are still around. It's been the strangest World Cup. Football has advanced so much so any team can have well-organised defence, so there are no huge winning margins and the team is everything. This was our problem for 10 years, we had great individuals but no unity and that's why I had to build that unity of purpose in the team.
Goal.com sent out a clip in which Mbappe’s PSG teammate, Thomas Meunier, hoped that the 19-year-old rising star doesn’t fall for negative influences on his way to becoming one of the greatest players in the world:
Mbappe has been warned against following 'bad influences'. Now who could Meunier possibly be referring to? pic.twitter.com/t9QeqUgDIA
— Goal (@goal) July 12, 2018
Soccer AM posted French forward Antoine Griezmann’s response to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ negative comments in wake of Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over the Red Devils:
Antoine Griezmann gives Thibaut Courtois the L pic.twitter.com/YrgRcrDDy8
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) July 13, 2018
Griezmann also told reporters after the semifinals that the only thing he cares about is winning the World Cup with his team and for his country, claiming he isn’t interested in personal accolades (via ESPN):
The only thing I'm thinking about right now is the World Cup. I want to give everything to win it. I don't care about the Ballon d'Or or anything else. Playing in a World Cup is what you dream of as a kid. It is here. I'm impatient. We have the opportunity to achieve something amazing. I'm so proud to be French. We all have to be proud to be French. We have a beautiful country, a great team, some handsome journalists. Let's be proud to be French. I want people back home to say that, too. [In regards to preparing for the World Cup final] I will play Fortnite all day, I will drink my mate and think about enjoying football. I won't change my ritual of touching Adil Rami's moustache before the game either. It has brought me luck so far so I'm not changing anything.
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Picks
France vs. Croatia World Cup Final
Prediction: France 1 – Croatia 1 (regulation), France 2 – Croatia 1 (AET)
'>After a full month of excitement, the 2018 FIFA World Cup comes down to one final match. With the Jules Rimet trophy on the line, this thrilling winner-take-all contest between France and Croatia is one that fans will not want to miss. France, a fixture in the latter portions of the knockout stage, is making a third appearance in a World Cup final in the last 20 years, while Croatia has defied the odds to earn a spot in the tournament’s finale for the first time in the history of the country. The conclusion of this World Cup has all the makings for a great battle, even if it appears to be a lopsided on paper.
Oddsmakers opened betting with France as an overwhelming favorite, installing the nation as -115 chalk to win in regulation, a line that means bettors would have to risk $1.15 to return $1. Les Bleus are also favored against the spread, laying -0.5 goals at the same -115 price. The Blazers are a massive underdog, currently going off at +385—netting $3.85 for every $1 wagered—to pull the upset in regulation. Croatia’s odds improve quite a bit after accounting for the +0.5 goal line, which shifts the country all the way up to -105, but still a bit worse off in comparison to the French line. A draw is thought to be more likely than an outright upset today, with the tie garnering +220 odds. The books do not expect a lot of scoring in this match, with the total goals set at a meager two. Even more indicative of scores being at a premium is that the under side of that bet is currently favored at -130, compared to the over at +105.
Can Croatia, who has won all three of their knockout stage matches in extra time or penalties, pull out one final miraculous victory, or will France put their superior skills on display to claim their second ever World Cup title on Sunday? Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com provided his take on the outcome and you might be surprised by how the pro handicapper sees the final playing out. Before getting to his expert prediction, take a peek at the complete schedule, kickoff start time, TV channel, live stream coverage and updated odds for France vs. Croatia. You can also check out the latest World Cup bracket, quotes from star players and managers and more related to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Schedule, TV, Live Stream
Date | Time | Matchup | TV | Streaming |
Sunday, July 15 | 11 a.m. | France vs. Croatia | FOX | FOX Sports Go |
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Odds
World Cup odds via BetDSI Sportsbook
France vs. Croatia
Bet | Odds |
Regulation | FRA -115, CRO +385, DRAW +220 |
Spread | FRA -0.5 (-115), CRO +0.5 (-105) |
Total | OVER 2 (+105), UNDER 2 (-130) |
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Bracket
2018 Fifa World Cup Final Standings
What They’re Saying About The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final
France vs. Croatia
Abcd2 mp3. French boss Didier Deschamps, captain of the 1998 World Cup champions and manager of the Euro 2016 finalists, says he is still hurt by falling short against Portugal two years ago (via Reuters):
This is exceptional. I am very happy for my players, we showed character and the right mentality. Two years ago, I remember what happened two years ago. We will go into this final to win it, as we have still not gotten over the (2016) final. I feel very proud for my group. We have been 49 days together. There were a lot of things, a lot of difficult things. Everyone can take credit.
B/R Football tweeted a quote from Neymar in which the Brazilian talisman claims he won’t be rooting for any particular country on Sunday due to having personal connections to both teams:
Neymar's not picking sides in the #WorldCup final pic.twitter.com/oB7K5kKbQW
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 13, 2018
ESPN FC found that Croatian star Ivan Rakitic has played more games than any other player this season:
The World Cup final will be Ivan Rakitic's 71st game of the season.
More than any other player in 2017/18. pic.twitter.com/W5hf39BNAm
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 13, 2018
Rakitic discussed how the pre-match hype surrounding England fueled Croatia’s victory in their semifinal bout (via ESPN):
All I can say is that they asserted that they were going to be much better physically, that they were superior in that aspect. But, in the end, it was the opposite. It was we who imposed ourselves and played better in the second half and in extra time. We deserved to win. We imposed ourselves because we were the better team.
HNS CFF is hoping that Lilian Thuram—who scored his only two international goals in 142 appearances during a 1998 semifinal victory over Croatia—doesn’t come out of retirement for this match:
Hey @FrenchTeam!
Just to make sure - Lilian Thuram is not in your #WorldCup squad this year, right?#WorldCupFinal#Vatrenipic.twitter.com/cd6CaEQFmo
Just to make sure - Lilian Thuram is not in your #WorldCup squad this year, right?#WorldCupFinal#Vatrenipic.twitter.com/cd6CaEQFmo
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) July 13, 2018
FIFA World Cup took a look at the traits that make the Blazers a serious contender for a Jules Rimet trophy:
1. Collective motivation
2. Character
3. Self-confidence
2. Character
3. Self-confidence
We look at what could give #CRO an edge in Sunday's #WorldCupFinal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2018
French striker Kylian Mbappe stated that this World Cup run has surpassed anything he could have imagined (via Reuters):
It is unbelievable. It is the dream of dreams, the dream of the future, everything.I don’t have the words. Not even in my wildest dreams, and I am a big dreamer, would I have imagined this. There is still one more step to take, but we are proud of what we have done. In the changing room, Didier Deschamps was happy. We were all happy, all hugging. (France) President Emmanuel Macron came down to see us. Everyone is with us, we’re all in this together.
Deadspin is hoping that Croatia rocks their checkered kits on Sunday:
Dear Croatia, please wear your extra-cool checkerboard kits in the World Cup final: https://t.co/mOvZe5RNMJpic.twitter.com/gFIu5JfzNe
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) July 13, 2018
ESPN FC posted a video of former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba discussing the World Cup final:
Didier Drogba is backing France, but warns against underestimating Croatia. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/k9kHhbWQvU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 13, 2018
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said that his side is not as loaded with stars as some other squads that made the World Cup, but got this far by playing well together (via ESPN):
For me, Messi is the best player in the world and Neymar is very close. But at this World Cup, the star-studded teams relying on the big names are already on the beach. It's the compact, united teams fighting for something that are still around. It's been the strangest World Cup. Football has advanced so much so any team can have well-organised defence, so there are no huge winning margins and the team is everything. This was our problem for 10 years, we had great individuals but no unity and that's why I had to build that unity of purpose in the team.
Goal.com sent out a clip in which Mbappe’s PSG teammate, Thomas Meunier, hoped that the 19-year-old rising star doesn’t fall for negative influences on his way to becoming one of the greatest players in the world:
Mbappe has been warned against following 'bad influences'. Now who could Meunier possibly be referring to? pic.twitter.com/t9QeqUgDIA
— Goal (@goal) July 12, 2018
Soccer AM posted French forward Antoine Griezmann’s response to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ negative comments in wake of Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over the Red Devils:
Antoine Griezmann gives Thibaut Courtois the L pic.twitter.com/YrgRcrDDy8
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) July 13, 2018
Griezmann also told reporters after the semifinals that the only thing he cares about is winning the World Cup with his team and for his country, claiming he isn’t interested in personal accolades (via ESPN):
The only thing I'm thinking about right now is the World Cup. I want to give everything to win it. I don't care about the Ballon d'Or or anything else. Playing in a World Cup is what you dream of as a kid. It is here. I'm impatient. We have the opportunity to achieve something amazing. I'm so proud to be French. We all have to be proud to be French. We have a beautiful country, a great team, some handsome journalists. Let's be proud to be French. I want people back home to say that, too. [In regards to preparing for the World Cup final] I will play Fortnite all day, I will drink my mate and think about enjoying football. I won't change my ritual of touching Adil Rami's moustache before the game either. It has brought me luck so far so I'm not changing anything.
2018 FIFA World Cup Final Picks
France vs. Croatia World Cup Final
Prediction: France 1 – Croatia 1 (regulation), France 2 – Croatia 1 (AET)