After what has been a thrilling four weeks of action in Russia, we are finally at the World Cup final. This has been a great tournament, full of quality, shocks and surprises, and these two will hopefully give us a great final to cap things off. Coming into the tournament many people fancied France to lift the trophy, while Croatia were considered as dark horses to win as their ‘golden age’ arrived for the final tournament they would play together.

France – Road to the World Cup Final

The French have played what can only be described as a perfect tournament so far. They understood the need to conseve energy for what was going to be a tough tournament, and they started the group stages off doing only what they need to do to qualify. Two lacklustre wins against Peru and Australia plus a draw against Denmark was enough to give them a spot in the knockout round. It was here we saw them come to life, and they have been improving ever since. If they have timed their rise right, we will see them at their very best in the final, and that would be enough to beat anyone.

Croatia – Road to the World Cup Final

The Croatians have done things different to France. They were handed a tough group and needed to be at their best right from the off, something that they certainly did. They won all three group games, including a great 3-0 victory against Argentina which was the best we have seen from them at the tournament. In their three knockout games they have needed extra time or penalties to get through in each one, so they have now played a full game more than France due to that. Can the Croatians last out? They have a lot of ageing legs, but will be up for this, and are sure to give it a good go despite their fitness worries.

World Cup Final Betting Tips

While this will be the last chance for the Croatian golden age, sadly I don’t think they have enough to beat France. The French have played this tournament perfectly so far, and there is the chance that they are going to be even better here in what is there final game and the one they have been building up to. They won’t need to be though, a repeat of their performance in any of their knockout games would be enough to beat Croatia in the final, something I think they can do.

The midfield battle will determine this game, with both teams having some fantastic, and very creative players in there, and this is where I think France will be stronger and fitter, giving them the edge.

Croatia deserve credit for reaching the final, but this looks to be the year for France to win the World Cup, and I am going to back them with confidence to win this game in 90 minutes and lift the World Cup.

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