Head to Head : France is unbeaten in their previous 5 meetings with Croatia winning 3 times. The last ever meeting between the nations ending in 2-1 victory for France in World Cup 98.
Possible Lineups :
France XI: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Lucas, Pogba, Kante, Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi, Giroud
Croatia XI: Subasic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic, Rakitic, Brozovic, Rebic, Modric, Perisic, Mandzukic
Analysis and Preview :
Both teams will look to field the same lineup as we see no possible changes. Vida cleared by FIFA to start after an alleged celebration hiccup. Croatia will have to cope with ariel threat by likes of Varane and Umtiti who have been defensively solid. Croatia will look to exploit the width with Perisic in top form with a goal and a headed assist for poacher Mandzukic. Pogba with a fluid performance will look to again shut down critics. Mbappe with blistering pace can trouble Strinic who has always been taken off due to fatigue and calf problems. Modric needs to be the link for Perisic , Rebic and Mandzukic but he will be against Ngolo Kante and his incredible interceptions. That will be one interesting battle to look forward to. Giroud could be a dark horse in the big game.
Man to Focus :
Antoine Griezmann
The man for the big occasion as we call it, coming into his groove in the knockout stage. 3 Goals and 2 assists. Link up play has been really good with Mbappe which has tormented opposite defence. Dead ball and corner specialist who can swing in a good cross for the likes of Giroud and Varane in the set pieces.
Mario Mandzukic
Champions league experience with proven goal scoring ability in big games, Mandzukic is the target man for Croatia. Ariel threat with a poacher's instinct can trouble defences. Set pieces will be Interesting to see how each team set it up.. Finals are big games and he thrives on such opportunities. Scoring the vital winner against England, his confidence must be sky high who will be dreaming of his first world cup trophy.
A World cup of drama, unbelievable upsets and goals galore will come to a stand still as France and Croatia go head to head for the biggest footballing event. With the 20 year rule looming large with Croatia to be the newest member in the hall of fame, France look the much stronger side on paper and form. But in world cups, we have often seen that you are only favourites on paper. Croatia winning this will be both an upset and an uplift of self belief for the not so favourites for the big tournaments. Will it be Modric or Lloris who will be lifting the prized world cup trophy? Time will tell
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