France vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 15 July 2018
As the curtains come down on 15 July 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, France will have a chance of winning its second trophy, while Croatia will be looking to earn their first. The meeting will be the first time the teams meet at a world cup event after the famous semi-final in France 1998, when the hosts won the match and went on to lift the trophy on home soil.
France Probable Lineups and Stats
There is no denying that this can be considered the golden generation of French players after the triumphant team of 1998. While the French squad is one of the youngest in the tournament, the depth of talent they have in their squad is fearsome. Their sensational teenage striker Kylian Mbappe has even earned comparisons to Pele, as he continues to set the tournament alight with his energy and performance.
The France team were slow starters in the tournament, winning 2-1 against Australia, beating Peru 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Denmark. However, they were impressive in the last 16 when they thrashed Argentine 4-3 and Uruguay 2-0 to reach the semi-finals where they faced tournament favourites Belgium. France won that game 1-0 to set a date with destiny in Moscow. With no injury worries or suspensions, this is the squad expected to chase glory as France face their final test; Lloris, Hernandez, Varane, Umtiti, Pavard, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe and Giroud.
Croatia Probable Lineups and Stats
Croatia have surprised many by reaching their ever first World Cup final in only their fifth appearance at a world cup. The first time they took part in a World Cup was in France 1998, with the side inspired by their star striker Davor Suker reaching the semi-finals and finishing third in the tournament. Although Croatia started the tournament superbly by winning all their group games against Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland, they have had to go through 3 extra-time periods in their road to the final. Most of the players in this Croatia side may be playing in their last World Cup finals since most of them are 30+ years. However, they have shown steel and agility to reach where they are and now have a chance to win the ultimate prize. While there was no major injuries or suspensions, the Croatia technical bench will be evaluating the fitness of Mario Mandzukic after he limped off during the final minutes of extra time. Those expected to start for Croatia are Subasic, Vida, Lovren Vrsaljko, Strinic, Rebic, Modric, Rakitic, Brozovic, Perisic and Mandzukic.
France v Croatia – Head to Head
Heading into this match, Croatia will be meeting their French counterparts for the second time in a World Cup event. The last time they meet was in the 1998 World Cup in France where the hosts came from behind to beat them 2-1 thanks to two goals from Lilian Thuram. The other competitive game that both teams met was at the European Championships in 2004 where the match ended in a draw. The two teams have also met in three friendlies, with the French emerging victories in all of them.Expert Tip
While both sides have made it to this stage through sheer effort and brilliance, the French can consider having had a much tougher ride. They had to overcome teams such as Belgium, Argentina and Uruguay, who would all have been considered favourites. However, Croatia have experience within their ranks, with players such as Modric and Rakitic dictating tempo in the midfield, and Perisic and Mandzukic more than capable of dealing the final blow to any team. Nonetheless, it seems more probable the French young team will edge this one out although it will be a tight result to call.Interesting Facts and Information
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