Young France faces the veteran Croatian side for the glory of the World Cup

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France is the power established with a young team full of speed and talent. Croatia has veterans who have shown that they can never be counted.

The two sides will meet on Sunday (Monday NZT) in the World Cup final with France for their second title in their third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that gained independence in 1991, will play its first match.

"The tradition is here to be demolished," said coach of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic, "I am not interested in the opponent."

Most consider France as a favorite for the match at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, just like two years ago when the country's national team faced Portugal in the final of the European Championship in home

. semi-finals, France flopped, losing 1-0

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"I do not think it's going to happen again" Lloris, who was stellar in goal at this year's tournament. "We are far from thinking On our side, we have already reached the goal."

Lloris was the goalkeeper of this defeat in Paris, against a Portuguese team that had reached the final after a few wins in overtime. 19659006] Croatia made Even this year, it needs penalty kicks to beat Denmark and host Russia before beating England in overtime in the semifinals.

French coach Didier Deschamps made some changes in his team, however, fourteen, to be exact, among the 23 players who made up the team two years ago.

Another factor in favor of France is the rest. 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," Lloris said "Especially when it comes to recovery time and preparation."

Also played a lot more football in their six games in Russia. With their 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," says Dalic through the intermediary of a translator "It's just the greatest moment of life for us. came here to enjoy the final. "

FIRST WINNER

Croatia has not beaten France in five matches since it was accepted in as a member federation of FIFA in 1992.

The first match was the most important – a 2-1 victory for France in the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup at the Stade de France in Paris

A group match at Euro 2004 ended in a 2-2 draw, and their last match was a 0-0 draw in March 2011 in Paris

UNBEATEN TEAMS

Both teams were undefeated in the group stage, and France only followed nine minutes in the set. Argentina's 2-1 lead in the second half of a match in the round of 16 was shattered by the long-gone defender Benjamin Pavard. nge shot. 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 a win over Nigeria and Iceland.

The story has been different in the knockout rounds. 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 (Thursday NZT), France's 0-0 draw against Denmark in their last group match ended with supporters Russians who beat the only draw of the tournament.

The last two finals of the World Cup were 0-0 after 90 "

BACK HOME

" Win or lose, "said Dalic," there will be a seismic event in Croatia.

– AP