World Cup Final | France v Croatia | Preview and Odds

The eyes of the world will be on Moscow on Sunday, as France take on Croatia in the World Cup final.

A total of 30 teams have come and gone, and just two remain to play for the ultimate prize in football.

Our expert has taken a look at the best bets for the grand finale.

France start as favourites

What a month it’s been in Russia – from shock eliminations, wonder goals, VAR and of course England’s run to the semi-finals.

However, while the likes of Germany, Spain and Argentina all fell early one team have been remarkably consistent throughout.

France have grown in strength as the tournament has progressed, and where other favourites fell, they continued.

Didier Deschamps has built a team that appears to have everything – the perfect blend of strength and flair throughout the XI.

Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann may be competing for the Golden Ball, but they have been complemented by the steel of N’Golo Kante, Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti.

France have won all but one of their matches, and frighteningly, still look like they haven’t needed to reach top gear.

Their semi-final win over Belgium was the perfect example – after Umtiti opened the scoring, Les Bleus put on a masterclass in how to close out the tie, shutting the door on a talented Belgian side.

Deschamps lifted the trophy as captain in 1998, and could do so again as manager here.

France are 4/9 to win the World Cup with Grosvenorsport.com.

 

Underdogs Croatia come with plenty of bite

It’s easy to paint a picture of Croatia as the plucky underdog – a nation that was only founded in 1991, with only four million people, and ranked 20th in the world.

They’ve even had to endure three successive extra-times, against Denmark, Russia and England, on their route to the final.

Still – no team qualifies for the World Cup final by accident, and this is a Croatia side packed with elite talent.

Luka Modric is arguably the best central midfielder in the world, and alongside Ivan Rakitic, form one of the best partnerships in the tournament.

Add to that Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren, and they have a team fit for this illustrious stage.

But, make no mistake, Croatia are the outsiders for this one at 15/4 to win in 90 minutes, with the draw at 2/1.

 

France to claim the trophy in Moscow

This has been a thrilling tournament and certainly deserves a gripping final.

While Croatia winning would be a remarkable story, my money is with France.

There really isn’t a weak link in their starting XI – and even if that doesn’t work, their depth off the bench is outrageous.

With Croatia playing 120 minutes three times in 11 days, I feel they’ll just have too much for their opponents.

Hugo Lloris has kept clean sheets in four of his six matches, and I think he can add another in the most important game of all.

I suggest backing France to win to nil at 6/4, with a 2-0 France win at 7/1 also appealing.

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