These are the three reasons why we believe that Croatia will surprise everyone once again and beat France to lift their first ever World Cup.
Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric celebrates after Croatia's victory over Russia (Photo: AFP)
All the bets have been placed on France to lift the World Cup but make no mistake, Croatia are no pushovers. They have already usurped everyone’s expectations by reaching the finals and they can again shock everyone by winning the final.
Luka Modric will once again be the key for Croatia and his partnership with Ivan Rakitic is one of the reasons why they have come so far till now.
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These are the three reasons why we believe that Croatia will surprise everyone once again and beat France to lift their first ever World Cup.
Unlike France, who have sailed through to the finals, Croatia have had to fight vey hard to reach the finals. They played 120 minutes in their last three matches and will once again be willing to go the full 120 minutes to lift the trophy.
Croatia’s grit determination and will power alone can lead them to the trophy. France may get complacent just like in the Euro 2016 finals and that will provide the perfect opportunity for Croatia to sneak away with the title.
France may have a better attack but midfield is where Croatia will look to dominate. France’s Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are one of the two best midfielders in the world but so are Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric.
Modric and Rakitic will be looking to win the midfield battle and if they do that, Croatia will have a very good chance of winning the trophy.
Luka Modric’s midfield clash with N’Golo Kante will definitely be mouth-watering to watch and if Modric can school Kante, Croatia will win.
Croatia have so far won two penalty shoot-outs whereas France have won none. Croatia’s shoot-out experience may come in handy if the match reaches that stage.
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Croatia will be looking to drag France into extra-time and then to penalties. If they are successful in doing that, they will fancy themselves to win as they have already knocked out Russia and Denmark on penalties.
Danijel Subasic has so far stopped four penalties in two shoot-outs, he will fancy himself to stop a few more on Sunday.
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