Final classification of the World Cup: How France and Croatia pile up

After a month of pandemonium, this extraordinary World Cup ends Sunday as France faces Croatia.

With a win, The Blues will raise the trophy for the second time in their history, while the Vatreni are in their first final and could become just the fourth winner since 1978

In advance of each of the knockout stages, we ranked each team in competition based on their play up here in the tournament. With the final, we do things a little differently, breaking down France and Croatia by position and selecting which side has the advantage.

Here's how the finalists of the 2018 FIFA World Cup ™ pile up:

FORWARDS

France
After the first group match against Australia, Didier Deschamps replaced 20 years old … Old Ousmane Dembele with veteran striker Olivier Giroud and has since lined up the same front three in every game. Despite his efforts to find the back of the net, Giroud's introduction has been immense thanks to his excellent hold-up game and his defensive contributions. Associated with Antoine Griezmann, who has not yet played his best in Russia, and the young superstar Kylian Mbappe, this trio gives France a formidable attack that can beat opponents in various ways.

The game by the numbers #WorldCup by Antoine Griezmann vs #BEL :

88% precision pbad
6 shots
4 faults won
4 butts
3 chances created
1 shot on target
1 help

Griez le mann. pic.twitter.com/Ucq3aaLS2I

– Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 10, 2018

Croatia
While he can not boast of the power stars of the French front three, the Vatreni are not left out. At Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic, Croatia has a lot of experience in the big game and both are probably the best parts of the tournament. Ante Rebic completes the Croatian trio and has been a sort of revelation in Russia. The three led the English defense in the semi-finals with incisive races and dangerous ties, which led to both goals against the Three Lions.

Benefit: France

With world-clbad talents like Griezmann and Mbappe, it is difficult to argue The Blues do not have the upper hand right here. This does not mean that Croatia's attack will not be a problem for France – it could well be a factor of difference given what we have seen against England.

MIDFIELDERS

France
With N & # 39; Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, France dominated the middle of the park in all of its World Cup matches. Kante is the key to the defensive success that the Deschamps team has found at this tournament, protecting the four backs with an unparalleled engine. Pogba played a crucial role in the counterattack of Les Bleus which brilliantly spread to the first three, while playing a central role in the French press. With one of Blaise Matuidi and Corentin Tolisso alongside, this midfielder was the driver of the country's success in this tournament.

0 – France never lost a match with N & # 39; Golo Kante and Paul Pogba starting 11 (W14 D4). Complementary #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/l4FOJWrHbv

– OptaJean (@OptaJean) 12 July 2018

Croatia
Captain Luka Modric and his midfielder Ivan Rakitic are among the best midfielders in the world, are valets of all trades and, as we have seen in three consecutive games in overtime, seem to be only more effective as the game progresses. But what really sets them apart is their experience in bigger matches: Modric has won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, while Rakitic has earned the highest distinction in European football. . Probably lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic in a double pivot with Modric in a No. 10 role, Crotia's success rests on the shoulders of his midfielder.

Advantage: Croatia

While Kante and Pogba are undoubtedly world clbad, the inconsistency surrounding the last play of the French midfielder (Matuidi or Tolisso) throughout of the tournament and the Championship experience Modric and Rakitic The team of Zlatko Dalic has a slight advantage

DEFENSEURS

France
With an average age of under 23, the fourth of France showed little inexperience (in age) throughout the tournament. Pavard played a vital role and undoubtedly delivered the best goal of the tournament. Apart from the match of the 16th day against Argentina, France has only allocated one goal in the other five matches, and this since the penalty spot. Backed by the brilliance of Kante, Deschamps' bottom line has been incredibly hard to break and this will continue against Croatia.

Croatia
The greatest weakness of Vatreni is probably in his last four backs, with a central double in Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida that was exposed by an opposition faster – Raheem Sterling gave serious problems to the duo in the semifinal – while left-back Ivan Strinic will likely miss the final due to injury. The best defender of Croatia is Sime Vrsaljko, who is not only crucial in defense (he cleared a John Stones header in overtime of the semifinal), but plays an important role in the attack

Advantage: France [19659002DidierDeschamps'teamisfinallymountedonthedefensesystemandistheonlyoneinthecountrywheretheFrancaishavegreatlygreatthoughtitwouldbeagreatchallengeforCroatiatobeabletofindawaytoguardthedefendersofFrance

GUARDIANS

France
After an unusually average season between Tottenham posts last season, Hugo Lloris rebounded way to the World Cup. The 31-year-old has been crucial to France's defensive prowess and must be considered the Golden Glove's favorite tournament goaltender.

7 – Hugo Lloris saved the last 7 shots that he faced World Cup 2018 Patron. #WorldCup #FRABEL pic.twitter.com/GWNVjr7ge7

– OptaJean (@OptaJean) July 10, 2018

Croatia
Danijel Subasic played the Hero role on several occasions for Croatia already during the knockout stage, and he will have to be at his best Sunday for the final. The 33-year-old beat Kasper Schmeichel in the round of 16 with three saves in the penalty shoot-out, then rebounded from what appeared to be an injury or cramps against Russia to make another big penalty stop. He also made some huge saves against England in the semifinals.

Benefit: Push

These goalkeepers played a huge role in both teams' race at the World Cup final, and choose which man gives a greater advantage to his team is almost impossible.

INTANGIBLES

France
Talent Changing: From top to bottom of its lineup, France is filled with players who alone can take control of a game. From Kylian Mbappe to Antoine Griezmann via Paul Pogba, The Blues will never miss options if they need a player to save the day. And if we have learned anything from the past of the World Cup, it's only a moment of brilliance to seal the trophy.

Croatia
Resilience: This Croatian team has pbaded the round. Since his coach was sacked during the World Cup playoffs, that he clinched a playoff spot, that he played three consecutive games in the round of 16, the highs and lows that this team has known since October seem to have strengthened its determination. In seeking to score history in the final, Croatia's course up to this point could play a key role if Zlatko Dalic's team came first

Advantage: Croatia

With confidence at a record level For Luka Modric & Co., Croatia must have the impression that nothing can stop them. It's this type of mentality that can lead an underdog on the last hurdle to the glory of the World Cup.