World Cup Final Bits.
I'm assuming not too many people had France and Croatia in the Final before all of this began. France is not much of a reach; but Croatia? If you think about it enough, Croatia shouldn't have been that much of a reach either with their experienced side. This World Cup gave us a bunch of twists and turns. Many would have expected Spain or Germany to defend its title. However, this Final has the potential to be a great one; and if this tournament is any indication, it will be.
Croatia has had a storybook run through the knockout stages. They are the first team to win back to back penalty shootouts; (Denmark and Russia). Then defeating an up and coming English side in extra time. They have one; if not the top groups in the midfield in international football with Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovich and captain; Luka Modric, who many believe he is the best in the world at his position. Modric can take over and distribute to the always dangerous Perisic and Rakitic. They have quality forwards in Ante Rebic and the strength of Mario Mandzukic. The veteran striker certainly left his mark on England in extra time, scoring the game winner.
Their defense is led by Dejan Lovren with Sami Vrsaljko and Domagoj Vida. Goalkeeper; Danijel Subasic, has been solid through the knockout stages, but the English didn't test him enough considering he tugged his hamstring late in the previous match with Russia.
Looking at the talent the French brings to the table, its not difficult to peg them as the favorite. They are as powerful as anyone up front with the steadiness of Antoine Griezmann, the power of Olivier Giroud and the warp speed of Kylian Mbappe. Watch out for Giroud. He has just been missing all tournament. Can this worm turn for him? Two French players in the midfield are having a spectacular tournament are Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante. France holds an advantage in defense; on paper, with youngsters; Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, who both have been effective. Add in Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, who scored the game winner over Belgium.
French goalkeeper; Hugo Lloris, has made one spectacular save after another in Russia. Can the veteran Croatian group test him enough?
Croatia has had a grueling run and at times, it seemed like some of their star players could barely move. They caught a big time second wind against England, dominating them through most of the second part of that match. They are going to have to have one more in them. Facing the ultra quick Mbappe, who is a Raheem Sterling who can finish is a daunting assignment. Sterling, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli troubled the Croatian defense with their pace, especially in that first half. If that don't get them, Giroud might. As I said earlier, he could break out. Lovren will also have to keep his cool and stay focused.
Speaking of staying focused, can this young French team keep their nerve? I say they will with Giroud and the what could have been in the 2016 Euros, losing a heartbreaker to Portugal. The French want to restamp their claim as a world power.
Is it really that much of a surprise that these two countries are facing off for the prize? I mean; this was a semifinal matchup 20 years ago in which the French defeated the Croatians; 2-1, on route to their first World Cup title. French manager; Didier Deschamps, remembers that well because he participated in it. Deschamps could be the third person ever to win a World Cup as a player and manager. Croatian manager; Zlatko Dalic, doesn't have those player accolades and was only appointed manager of Croatia in October. He has let his veteran team play to its strengths.
Croatia is authoring a storybook run to glory; but it seems the French have too much to provide a happy ending to their book and wins their second World Cup title.
France; 3-1
