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MOSCOW (Reuters) – Croatia can be a big upset, but France is a favorite because Moscow took advantage of the stifling summer sun and the spotlight on the big day of the World Cup final .
At 90 minutes of what could be a pleasant shock for them if Croatia beat France at Luzhniki Stadium (shot of 1500GMT) Sunday to win a first World Cup.
"If Croatia can win, we can all dream of doing it," Belgian coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of the match, adding that the tournament's domination by the big established football superpowers could be over
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 lift the trophy in gold.
They will also have to dig deep to overcome the fatigue comes with having n bees forced into extra time in their last three games, earning two on the post-game penalties.
It contrasts with the progress of France, who beat Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium in the round of 16 to earn their favorites status.
They had to face accusations of uninspired tactics but coach Didier Deschamps shrugged "There is nothing more beautiful, as a professional footballer, than to dispute the World Cup final, "he said at the pre-match press conference. Deschamps could become the third to win first prize in football as a player and coach, after being captain of France 20 years ago.
The streets around the stadium are filled with fans of the two nations, plus other lucky converged to the 80,000-seat stadium.
The Moscow Flower Underground, which offered free attractions to the spectators, was once again a carnival of color and noise as excited fans headed for the place where security was strict.
Elsewhere in the city, street cafes were filled with fans dressed in Croatian and French colors, as well as those from other countries, having a late breakfast or a quick lunch before heading to the city. 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 crash while the police were ostensibly watching. the exit of the room.
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 absent will be the attacker Croatian Nikola Kalinic, sent home in ignominy the World Cup after refusing to substitute for the opening match of the team against Nigeria.
He will probably always be known as the player who shunned at home while his teammates were writing the history of their country.
(Edited by Amlan Chakraborty)
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