France's favorites as Moscow focuses on the World Cup

A nation of just over four million is 90 minutes away from what could be a nice shock for them if Croatia beat France at the Luzhniki Stadium (shot to 1500GMT) on Sunday to win a first World Cup. "If Croatia can win then we can all dream of doing so," said Belgian coach Roberto Martinez on the eve of the match, adding that the tournament's domination by the big powers of established football could be at the end.

The inspiration of Luka Modric, the anchor provided by Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic's offensive prowess will be needed again if Croatia wants to continue its fairy run and brandish the gold trophy.

They will also have to dig deep to overcome the certain fatigue that comes with being forced into extra time in their last three games, earning two on the post-game penalties.

It contrasts with the slow progress of France, which beat Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium in the knockout stages to gain their favorites status.

They had to face accusations of uninspired tactics, but coach Didier Deschamps shrugged and told his players to be calm, confident and focus.

"There is nothing more beautiful, as a professional footballer, than playing in the final of the World Cup," he said at the press conference. pregame. Deschamps could become the third to win first prize in football as a player and coach, after being captain of France in their previous triumph 20 years ago.

The streets around the stadium were filling up from the beginning as fans from both nations, as well as other people lucky enough to get a ticket, converged on the 80,000-seat stadium.

Moscow's blossoming metro, which offered free spectator attractions, was once again a carnival of color and noise as excited fans headed for the place where strict security was in place.

Elsewhere in the city, street cafes were filled with fans dressed in Croatian and French colors, as well as other countries, having breakfast or lunch before heading to the imposing stadium. on the banks of the Moskva.

Outside the imposing hotel where FIFA officials and guests were staying, a fleet of black cars was waiting to take them to the scene of the accident while the police were ostensibly watching. on the outside.

The presidents of Croatia and France will again be in the stands to support their teams with pop stars like Mick Jagger and a host of legends of the game.

But the Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic will be absent, dismissed home in disgrace during the first week of the World Cup after refusing to substitute for the team's opening match against Nigeria.

He will probably be known forever as the player who shunned at home while his teammates were writing the history of their country.

(Edited by Amlan Chakraborty)