Fifa World Cup final preview: France v Croatia prediction, schedule, odds, head-to-head and road to Russia 2018 climax
First-time finalists Croatia take on 1998 champions France in a rematch of unforgettable semi-final from 20 years ago
After 69 matches in Russia, we will be getting down to the nitty gritty on Sunday when Croatia take on France in the World Cup final.
The match at Moscow’s 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium kicks off at 4pm local time (11pm Hong Kong time) on July 15.
While Croatia are first-time finalists at the World Cup, they are more than familiar with their opponents.
Croatia have never beaten France in five attempts, the most famous of which was the semi-final in 1998 when the hosts beat the debutants 2-1 thanks to a Lilian Thuram double.
That was the first time the teams met and since then there have been three friendlies – all France victories – and a draw in the Uefa European Championship group stage in 2004.
The most recent match was in 2011 but several of those who played out a 0-0 draw in Paris could be in action in the biggest game of their lives on Sunday night as Croatia look to beat France for the first time.