French target, relaxed Croatian – which recipe wins?

While the Croatian underdogs are laid back before the final of the World Cup in Moscow, Especially, the French protagonists are concentrated. France must, Croatia wins the final.

"Calm, confidence and concentration," said French coach Deschamps as key factors in the preparation of Sunday's game. And goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said: "We must continue to stay in our bubble and maintain our focus." The French should not be back in 2016 when they won the European Championship after the semifinal against the world champion Germany, the supposedly safe title in the final against the Portuguese underdogs still out of hands. "It was difficult for us, but football too." says Lloris. "We did not know if we would have a second chance, we now have the opportunity to reach the World Cup trophy."

France has never lost against Croatia

From the point of view of coach Deschamps, the team of 2016 is not comparable to today. "14 players were not There was a chance at the time and those who were there would benefit from this experience. " The 49-year-old does not see his opponent, Croatia, with a much older and more experienced team as a disadvantage. "In this tournament, we have already met many teams with more experience than us."

The French are given the role of favorites because of their individual class and of their previous performances After 1998 and 2006 they compete for their third World Cup final, none of the five previous duels with Croatia did not lose them . Their way to the final was much less stony than that of the "Vatreni", who had to extend their time in each co-game and win twice in the penalty shoot-out.

Serene Croats

The Croatians relaxed the day before the match. "The whole world is watching. I will not put pressure on the players, we do not want to cramp or freeze in fear " said coach Zlatko Dalic. "We came here to enjoy it." As if to demonstrate Croatian lightness and lightness, Dalic had posted a video on Instagram after defeating England, showing the team in their hotel.

"Whatever happens, we will be happy and proud, we deserve it" Dalic said. With a population of four million, Croatia is the smallest country in Uruguay to reach the World Cup final. If the Croatians win the title Sunday, they will be the ninth world champion in history. Only England, France and Spain have won a title up here.

In addition to celebrating and enjoying the historic success of recent days, Croatians have focused on regeneration. "We have nothing left to train, we just have to rest" Dalic said. Ivan Perisic was missing in the final training on Saturday, which had not only been his top scorer at two points because of the best players against England.

Endurance Rakitic

That the energy wear of the tournament could be a disadvantage, believes the camp not Croats. "It's a historical game for us, fulfilling a dream" Ivan Rakitic said. "It gives us more energy, we transport each other." Aargauer, 30, has played 70 games for FC Barcelona and the national team this season alone.

A bowl of victory Rakitic's own strength. "France has great players and deserves to be in the final. But we have to concentrate on ourselves and play our game. " Rakitic believes that the majority of the world of football will support Croatia and he has received news from various countries. " We are going to give us so we can leave the field with our heads up " says Rakitic. " And with luck, we'll win too – we're strong enough for that. "

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