Croatia are looking for the revenge for the loss in the 1998 World Cup semi-final when Lilian Thuram bagged a brace to complete a comeback (his first ever goals for the national side).Last two ties, however, ended up without a winner as France and Croatia shared spoils in a group-stage tie at EURO 2004 as well as in a 2011 friendly (0-0).
France showed no weak side so far in the tournament. They were in danger in the last 16 round when Gabriel Mercado pushed Argentina ahead just after the restart, but Kylian Mbappe quickly turned things around as Les Bleus bagged three more goals until the end.The Les Bleus haven’t conceded ever since that last 16 round, beating both Uruguay and Belgium to nil, and quite a remarkable achievement you have to admit.They have never previously been beaten by Croatia and we simply have to see them as favourites to lift the trophy.
France vs Croatia Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Didier Deschamps does not have any problems with injured players ahead of the final against Croatia.Blaise Matuidi returned from suspension to feature the semi-final against Belgium.
France Predicted Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1)
Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez – Kante, Pogba – Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi – Giroud.
Croatia Team News
Sime Vrsaljko was allegedly struggling with fitness before the semi-final against England, but he went on to feature the 120 minutes without problems.Marcelo Brozovic was introduced back into the starting line-up on the expense of Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric.
Croatia Predicted Starting Eleven (4-1-4-1)
Subasic – Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic – Brozovic – Rebic, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic – Mandzukic.