World Cup 2018: France vs. Croatia preview, players to watch, key stats
July 13, 2018 15:11 MYT
Antoine Griezmann thinks France has to imagine Sunday's World Cup final is "just a normal game" if it is to hold its nerve against Croatia in Moscow.
Didier Deschamps took his side to a second major final in consecutive tournaments with a 1-0 win over Belgium in the semifinals, in which Samuel Umtiti's header was the difference.
Griezmann says their preparations have been giving them confidence but admits their mental fortitude will be key to handling the pressure at the packed Luzhniki Stadium.
"I feel good, we are confident," he told FIFA TV. "We are now getting into the tactical and video analysis phase of preparation, but we don't want to put ourselves under too much pressure.
"We have to imagine it's just a normal game and give everything on the pitch. We won't have a lot of opportunities, so we'll have to put them away when they come."
First-time finalist Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time in the semifinal, marking the third match in a row in which it has fought back from a goal down to win following 120 minutes.
Modric admits France will be the toughest test of all but has vowed there will be no let-up when it comes to Croatia's determination to win.
"I think they deserved to be in the final and it's the toughest match," he said. "They're a great team, they're in the final of a big competition for the second time in a row. They're strong. But we're ready.
"We'll leave our heart out on the pitch, just as we did in the previous six games."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
France – Antoine Griezmann
Kylian Mbappe might have grabbed most of the headlines for France in Russia, but Griezmann is the go-to star when it comes to the biggest games. He has scored or assisted 11 goals in nine matches in the knockout rounds of major tournaments for his country, which is more than any other French player for the last 50 years.
Croatia – Ivan Rakitic
Modric makes Croatia tick, but Rakitic makes that possible. His positional awareness is essential in allowing his teammate enough time on the ball to dictate play. Rakitic has also produced star performances at club level when winning the Europa League and Champions League finals, so there are few more capable big-game players.
KEY OPTA STATS
- The last three World Cup finals have all gone to extra time. However, historically, only two of the showpiece games have ever been decided on penalties (1994, 2006).