World Cup Final 2018: France vs Croatia, 3 key battles to watch out for

And then there were two.

After almost a month of breath-taking football, we've got the finalists of 2018 FIFA World Cup as France and Croatia have secured a showdown for football’s greatest prize on Sunday at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow.

The pre-tournament favourites France are far from their attacking best but have done just enough to reach the final whereas Croatia are shock-contenders in a tournament which saw heavyweights bite the dust on a regular basis.

Having played the semifinal a day earlier, Didier Deschamp's side will be relatively fresher compared to the Croats who have played three extra-time games on the trot to come this far.

So, Will France claim superiority by winning their second title, or Croatia their first? We will have to wait and see. And while we wait for the match to get underway, let’s take a look at three key player battles which could decide the tie:

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#3 Kylian Mbappe vs Ivan Strinic

France will rely on the youngster to make inroads against Croatia on Sunday

Surprisingly for an exciting and open World Cup as this, the final is between two teams who aren’t inordinately adventurous. Both France and Croatia like to stay cautious in their approach, while they pick their moments to go forward.

There are no reasons to believe why they should change this approach which has brought them to where they are right now. In games like these where chances will be few and far between, usually individual brilliance can make a difference. In Kylian Mbappe, France have just the man who can hurt the Croats with his speed and footballing skills.

Mbappe announced his arrival on the global stage with a brace against Argentina in the last-16 tie and has been impressive thereafter as well.

The man from the Croatian camp who will be tasked with stopping the Frenchman’s advances is Ivan Strinic. The left-back had a torrid time on the pitch against England as Raheem Sterling was causing him all sorts of trouble with swift movements; however, he managed to weather the storm and came out victorious in the end.

Strinic’s defensive skills will once again be put to test against Mbappe on Sunday.

#2 Mario Mandzukic vs Samuel Umtiti

Will Mario Mandzukic score against France in the final?

Croatia’s goal-scoring responsibilities against France will primarily lie with Mario Mandzzukic. Deployed as a lone striker, Mandzukic has found the back of the net twice in the tournament, including the winner against England in extra time and has provided one assist as well.

The Juventus Forward is strong in the air. At 6’3”, he has a slight advantage in height over France Center back Samuel Umtiti and hence; will be the target man for the long balls inside France’s penalty area.

The Sunday’s showdown, like most World Cup finals, is expected to be a cagey affair and therefore Mandzukic’s movements in the box will be extremely crucial from Croatian point of view. However, it’s easier said than done as he will be up against a strong defensive unit which, barring a crazy game against Argentina, has conceded just one goal in five matches.

Whoever wins this battle, it will make for an interesting viewing, that’s a given.

#1 Luca Modric vs N’Golo Kante

Luca Modric will be key for Croatia against France in the final

One of the key players behind Croatia’s surprising run to the final is their midfield mainstay, Luca Modric. The Real Madrid star has been phenomenal in the tournament and he’s one of the front-runners for the coveted Golden Ball award.

The playmaker has scored two goals and assisted one more in the World Cup. That he is one of the best creative players in the world is a no-brainer. However, if Croatia has Modric’s artistry, France have more physical strength in the midfield with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.

Kante, in particular, has been impressive in Russia with his aggression and ball-recovering ability. Often tasked with breaking opposition attacks, the 27-year-old Chelsea man will be a major hiccup to Croatia’s ambitions. The talented Belgium players, in the first semifinal game against France, were found wanting in central midfield which means it will be a daunting task for a fatigued Croatian side to see off the French challenge.

Battles, as they say, are won and lost in midfield. The showdown between Modric and Kante might as well decide as to which way the tide will turn on Sunday.