France vs Croatia - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 14/07/2018

France vs Croatia - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

July 15, 2018 15:00pm - Luzhniki Stadium

World Cup Russia 2018 - Final

After a month of thrilling football, the 2018 World Cup reaches its conclusion on Sunday as one of the pre-tournament favourites, France, take on the underdogs of Croatia in Moscow.

France`s arrived in Russia with the youngest squad and are now just one game away from proving that lack of experience is no obstacle providing you have the talent. Their presence in the final is no surprise given that many tipped them before the tournament began. With so much strength in depth at their disposal, they will start the final as clear favourites.

Didier Deschamps` men still haven`t hit the heights that many expected but they have always found a way to win. Last time out, they edged past Belgium thanks to a single goal from the head of Samuel Umtiti. That was enough for the French who comfortably eliminated Belgium`s attacking threat for the rest of the game. That was their second clean sheet in a row and this will be a worry for Croatia who may have limited scoring opportunities.

Croatia have already surpassed their best ever World Cup performance by reaching the final. This team may not have been as easy on the eye as 1998`s semi-final heroes but they have shown a resilience and hunger that has carried them through. This was evident on Wednesday night when they went behind to England after just five minutes but fought back to equalise through Ivan Perisic in the second half before Mario Mandzukic grabbed the winner in extra-time.

Croatia`s last three matches have all finished level after 90 minutes and they have gone on to win them all. France will certainly not be underestimating their stamina levels on Sunday.

Luka Modric has been the driving force of the team and will aim for glory in what could be his last World Cup. They will need him at his best as France will be provide a tougher test than they have faced so far.

A tense game can be expected with France maintaining their defensive stability while using their pace to attack on the break. If Croatia play like they did in the first half against England, there may be no way back, so a good start will be crucial.

France predicted starting XI:

Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Kante, Pogba, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

Croatia predicted starting XI:

Subasic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic, Brozovic, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Rebic, Mandzukic

Recent Form (All comps)

France: WWWDW

Croatia: DDDWW

Betting odds and tips

France have been the best team over the course of the tournament and should have the talent to see off the challenge of the underdogs.

You can back France to win in normal time at 10/11.

By Neil Morris