France vs Croatia: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 15th July 2018

World Cup 2018 - Final
Sunday 15th July 2018
Kick off at 4pm BST
Venue: Luzhniki Arena

Match Preview:

The biggest and most important football showpiece on Earth will take place between France and Croatia when the two nations meet for the 21^st World Cup final.

France will be the favourites to pick up their 2^nd World Cup after winning it in 1998 on home soil. The French have had to beat Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium to get here scoring 7 goals along the way and conceding 3, all of which came against Argentina.

Croatia had two tough games against Denmark and hosts Russia, which both went to a penalty shoot out, before coming back from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals.

For France this will be their 3rd final in the World Cup, winning in 1998, and losing on penalties to Italy in 2006.

For Croatia they are making history and this will be their first World Cup final. They also become the first team to make their debut in a World Cup final since Holland in 1974.

France look to be the quality side, with no end of star names in their squad (Pogba, Griezmann, Mbappe, and Kante to name just a few) and all over the field, with what would appear very few weaknesses. However, despite not having quite as many superstars, Croatia do have a very good balance to their side and are technically strong, so wont be a pushover.

France vs Croatia Team News:

France: Blaise Matuidi is a slight doubt but should be fit to play.

Croatia: Should have a full squad to select from.

France vs Croatia Head to Head:

In the five matches played Croatia has never beaten France.

The last time they played in 2011 was a friendly where the match ended 0-0.

They have played before at the World Cup in 1998 in the semi-finals where France won 2-1.

France vs Croatia Prediction:

This has been a World Cup full of shocks and surprises with so many big teams falling early. But France have looked like one of the stable ones. They have so much talent on the field from Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe and look the complete team even in defence. Croatia are strong in midfield but the difference in the two teams on the evidence of their games is that France can be dangerous for 90 minutes. Croatia have dangerous spells in the game rather than being consistant. We will go for France to win their 2^nd World Cup.

France vs Croatia Betting Tips:

France to beat Croatia at 1.91

Anytime goalscorer: Antoine griezmann at 2.62