France vs Croatia World Cup Final: Fantasy XI
France and Croatia will lock horns in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow on Sunday as the curtains will be brought down on one of the most exciting and surprising tournaments till date. The Les Blues are the favorites but since we have seen plenty of upsets in the tournament, don't rule Croatia out. Here is our Fantasy XI.
4-4-2 best suits this fixture
We have opted for a 4-4-2 formation considering the players available in this fixture. Croatia have a plethora of mid-field talent and hence we expect their mid-fielders to take dominate the middle of the park. France's defense has been phenomenal against Belgium and we expect them to rise up to the occasion once again.
Hugo Lloris will be our goalkeeper
France captain Hugo Lloris has rarely been tested in this edition but he has stood firm like a wall whenever he has been called into action. If this fixture heads into penalties, Lloris would be the better keeper than this Croatian counterpart.
Umtiti, Pavard, Varane and Vida
We expect France's defense to do plenty of work considering the creative mid-field force Croatia has. Hence French defenders dominate the back four. Umtiti, Pavard and Varane have been excellent this term and have contributed with goals as well. Domagoj Vida has been a rock at the back for Croatia and has enough experience to deal with Mbappe and Griezmann.
Modric, Perisic, Rakitic and Kante
This is where the game is likely to be won or lost. Considering Modric and Rakitic's passing ability we expect Croatia to keep plenty of the ball. Perisic is lethal on the wings and is capable of sending sumptuous crosses. N'Golo Kante will be France's key player in the final since he will have plenty of work to do trying to disrupt Croatia's play.
Griezmann and Mandzukic
France forward Antoine Griezmann will be the catalyst of his side. We expect him to either set up Kylian Mbappe for a goal or score one himself. Mandzukic is Croatia's best chance of finding the back of the net. With Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic behind him we expect plenty of chances to be served on a platter for Mandzukic.
Captain and vice-captain
Luka Modric will be the captain. The mid-field ace is not only enjoying the form of his life but also has the experience of playing big finals. He is a 4-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. Griezmann will be France's driving force and our vice-captain. After 2016 Euro disappointment he would like to end on the winning side, this time around.
