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scoring the second goal of his team in the semi-final between Croatia and England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow on July 11, 2018.
(Associated Press)
MOSCOW – France is the power established with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has veterans who have shown that they can never be counted.
The two sides will meet Sunday in the World Cup final with France for their second title in their third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that acceded to independence only in 1991, will play its first match.
"The tradition is here to be demolished," said Saturday the coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic. "I'm not interested in the opponent."
"The tradition is here to be demolished, I do not care about the opponent."
– The coach of Croatia Zlatko Dalic
The favorite for the match at Luzhniki stadium, as two years ago when the country's national team faced Portugal in the final of the Championship of Home Europe
But perhaps after defeating Germany in the semi-finals, France has collapsed. "I do not think it's going to happen again," said team captain of France Hugo Lloris, author of a spectacular goal this year. "We are far from thinking on our side that we have already reached the goal."
Lloris was the goalkeeper in that 1-0 defeat in Paris, against a Portuguese team that had reached the final after a few overtime wins.
Croatia did the same this year, needing shots on goal to beat Denmark and welcome Russia before beating England in overtime in the semifinals.
However, French coach Didier Deschamps changed his team. Fourteen, to be exact, among the 23 players who made up the team two years ago.
Another factor in favor of France is rest. The French had only two days off between the semifinals of Euro 2016 and the final. This time, they have four days of recovery, one more than Croatia.
"A lot has changed," said Lloris. "Especially when it comes to recovery time and preparation."
Croatia has also played a lot more football in its six matches in Russia. With its last three games in overtime, the team played 90 minutes longer than France. There was also the added stress of two shots on goal.
Everything is behind them.
"Now there is no pressure," said Dalic through a translator. "It's just the greatest moment of our lives, we came here to enjoy the finale."
FIRST WINNING
Croatia has not beaten France in five matches since it was accepted as a member federation of FIFA. 1992.
The first match was the most important – a 2-1 win for France in the 1998 World Cup semi-finals at the Stade de France outside Paris
. and their last match was a 0-0 draw in March 2011.
IMPAIRED TEAMS
Both teams were unbeaten in the group stage, and France trailed only nine minutes in all tournament.
The 2-1 lead in the second half of a game in the round of 16 was shattered by long-range shot of defender Benjamin Pavard. Kylian Mbappe then exploded for two quick goals in the 4-3 win.
Croatia's 3-0 win over Argentina was an exhibition performance in the group stage. The team has never followed the victories over Nigeria and Iceland.
It's different in the round of 16. Croatia conceded the first goal in each match before rallying to advance
BACK TO LUZHNIKI
Both teams played a match at the Luzhniki stadium until now.
Croatia beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, France's 0-0 draw against Denmark in their last group match ended with Russian supporters who beat the only draw.
The last two World Cup finals were 0-0 after 90 minutes. the second half of the extra time
BACK HOME
"Win or lose," said Dalic, "there will be a seismic event in Croatia."
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