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F rance v Croatia is a surprising finale but also a good reflection of this world cup. After all, it was a tournament full of surprises in which we saw that a different kind of football is needed to succeed, one based on team work and keeping up with it. the basic principles of player dependency and individual moments. France and Croatia have better represented this change; they also did not spark but they were consistent and hardworking and so they will be fighting Sunday for the final prize.
France is rightly favorite to win what would be its second world title. They are the complete team – solid at the back, well balanced midfield and able to play with the real flair in attack. But they did not do it often during this tournament because of the manager's low risk policy and the apparent desire not to do more than is necessary to win the match in front of him.
Looking at Didier Deschamps, I've always left the feeling that there is another gear in which they can go and that is also what makes them stand out. Dangerous opponents – you can not abandon them for a second.
Croatia will therefore have to be patient and not be left exposed as they did during the first half of their semi-final against England. They were incredibly open during this time and, in truth, were lucky to be no more than 1-0. However, Croatia has also shown during the second half that it is a remarkably mature and resilient team which, unlike France, is playing at its absolute limit. They will push the men of Deschamps until the end
The goal of Croatia will be to turn the final into a physical battle because that is the kind of game that their players love, no more than Mario Mandzukic . I have played with him in Wolfsburg and in addition to being a very good finisher, he is a hard worker, both in training and in the field. He moves constantly, constantly making life difficult for the defenders he faces and, in addition to being ready for a challenge, he gives back the best of himself. He is fearless.
Ante Rebic is similar. I have watched a lot in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt and he is another striker who likes a physical battle. He and Mandzukic led the leading pack, setting the tone for the entire team and, as Mandzukic showed him against England, offering a touch of killer at key moments
. Luka Modric was excellent during the tournament and especially in the second half against England when, with Ivan Rakitic, he led the match. I confronted Modric during my stay at West Ham when he was in Tottenham, and I am still traumatized by this experience. I could not approach him; he was passing when he needed to dribble when he needed to dribble and that he had not made a single wrong move during the 90 minutes of play.
Which also marked the l & # 39; Modric's display that day at White Hart Lane possession. Like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, he compensates for his lack of size and stature by correctly placing his body between the ball and his opponent. It may not sound like much, but it makes a huge difference.
No Golo Kanté is anyone else who is very good at it. Like Modric, he is a solid midfielder and, for me, was the best player in France in the World Cup. His sense of positioning and anticipation is always excellent and crucial to give Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann the platform of attack; they know that they can go ahead because they have an ultra reliable player behind them.
Since he was himself a similar player, I am sure Deschamps appreciates what Kanté is giving to France and he will be vital in what is important. Midfield battle in Moscow. Whichever team wins the match, she will win the match.
For many people, this World Cup has been fantastic. I do not agree with the assessment. It was unpredictable, interesting and fun but, overall, quality was lacking, certainly at the level provided by the Champions League. This has been a tournament more about great team work than big teams, hence the progress of both teams that have reached the final as well as, of course, England.
Gareth Southgate and his team deserve to be awarded -finals and, more importantly, reconnect the country with the national team. We have lost a bit in Germany, so please, if you are English, cherish that by thinking about this World Cup. For my part, I enjoyed and look forward to the final. It should be fascinating.
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