World Cup 2018: France vs Croatia Combined XI

Defenders:

Belgium v France: Semi Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

RB: Sime Vrsalijko

Over the past two years, Sime Vrsalijko has been part of one of the best club defences in the World: Atletico Madrid. In the World Cup, he has helped Croatia replicate his club team. Vrsalijko has helped stop some of the best left-wingers in the tournament including Victor Moses, Denis Cheryshev (apart from that wonder goal) and Maximiliano Meza. He has also contributed on the attacking end, making a crucial assist for Ivan Perisic in the semi-final.

CB: Raphael Varane

Simply put, Varane has been the best defender in the World Cup. The Real Madrid player has been imperious for Les Blues as he has helped them keep four clean sheets. Even in the Round of 16 game against Argentina when France conceded three goals, Varane was not to blame for any of the freakish goals and often covered for his teammates’ mistakes. Otherwise, Varane has helped contain the likes of Luis Suarez, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard in the group-stages.

CB: Domagoj Vida

Many would have preferred Samuel Umtiti or even Vida’s teammate Dejan Lovren in that spot. Umtiti scored a brilliant goal in the semi-final while Lovren has claimed that he is one of the World’s best defenders. However, Domagoj Vida has been better than both of those players, simply because he has made fewer defensive errors than Lovren and Umtiti. Vida’s defensive dominance has made two interceptions per game and 6.2 clearances per game.

LB: Lucas Hernandez

While Lucas Hernandez isn’t exactly a household name, this wasn’t much of a contest. His counterpart on the Croatian side, Ivan Strinic has been the Vatreni’s primary defensive weakness. On the other hand, Hernandez has been brilliant for France. He has been excellent defensively, contributing to the overall solidity of Les Blues’ defence.

He has also helped provide width on the left side for the team- his crosses helped start the moves for two of France’s goals vs Argentina.