And the day awaited by football fans arrived. The final of the World Cup. On this occasion will face two selections that for many in the previous were not favorites to get to this instance. However, they did it and in good faith. For this reason, we will analyze below everything concerning the France vs Croatia forecast. In the previous one, the Deschamps box starts as a favorite due to the collective potential that it possesses and above all because its players have greater individual and collective hierarchy. Faced with this reality and knowing that the Croats may suffer physical problems due to the 3 contested extensions, we believe that the French can win the game even by a goal difference and win their second World Cup after they won in 1998.
France:
The Gauls beat Belgium 1-0 in the first semifinal and are one step away from winning their second World Cup. The Deschamps team does not shine, but it is pragmatic and direct in its proposal. Each player knows what they are playing, as well as the substitutes that enter. In the previous one we always said that the style of the French was moor. However, we must recognize that before the Belgians, the holders showed their maximum power in many passages of the game (25 ‘to 45’ of the first half and start of the complementary stage). Then came the goal of Umtiti and with it, the French lowered the revolutions and dedicated themselves to defend the advantage achieved. Of course, what they have to improve is the way to counterattack, as they had spaces to “liquidate” and did not do so due to the negligence of some of their players (Mbappé, Pogba and Griezmann). In the last play of the game they could get the 2-0 in their favor, but Tolisso missed an incredible hand in hand against Courtois.
If we try to visualize what France will do in the final, we believe that Deschamps will maintain the 4-2-3-1 system and will seek to handle the ball at certain moments of the match. Of course, the ideal is not to be overcome as it happened against Belgium in the first 25 ‘minutes of play. For this match, the side will come out shortly, being vital the contribution of Pogba and Matuidi to elaborate, and of Kante to score. Arriba Griezmann, Giroud and Mbappé will contribute in different ways, since the first two perform a silent job while the third one stands out for its speed and its infernal change of pace. Do not rule out that the Gauls get an advantage and try to drive without risking a second goal. In the end, they will have spaces for the counterattack, and now they have to liquidate, since a World Cup is at stake.
Croatia:
The Croatians are motivated and excited about this game, even if they are not the favorites for bookmakers and for the common football fans. However, they have shown a lot of attitude to overcome physical and soccer problems. Professor Dalic’s team is putting a lot of self-love into each of its games, showing itself to be a seasoned hero when it comes to marking and elaborating. Of course, the only problem that this can bring is the physical and mental exhaustion of the holders, which have exploited their maximum level in the extensions played against Denmark in 8ths, against Russia in 4th and against England in the semis. While it is true that there will be 4 days of rest, the effort made by many players has been maximum. It is enough to see how Mandzukic left the field of play against the English to corroborate this claim (injured and totally exhausted after twice falling to the ground in overtime).
For this duel it is expected that Croatia tries to dose its energies, looking to manage the times and the moments in which it has the ball. It will hit a very tough opponent from the tactical and whose level can rise incredibly from one moment to another. Proof of this are the 3 goals he scored for Argentina in 11 ‘minutes and the sparks he had against Belgium in the second half of the first half. On this occasion, it is expected that Subasic remains safe in the arch, complementing perfectly with the defenders Vida and Lovren. As it is already known, the lateral ones will not rise too much, measuring their projections to what each play deserves. At the wheel, Modric and Rakitc will surely manage the creative threads of the team, very independently that their physique is quite depleted. Up, Rebic, Perisic and Mandzukic provide delivery and deployment, either by the center of the field winning pelotazos or marking from the band. As an added fact do not forget that the substitutes available to the coach Dalic are of a certain level, highlighting what was shown by Kramaric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Corluka and Pivaric.
PREDICTION: Over 1.5 goals @ 1.55
