2018 World Cup final: 5 players to watch out for in France vs Croatia

The final is all about the strength of their centre midfield and Croatia have Modric, who even has two scores this World Cup. Ignoring his game, people have talked more about his height (5ft 8in) but this has hardly affected his morale. “I have always ignored such talks. I have never doubted myself even if others did, I always believed I could get to where I am today and thank God this came true. You don't have to be a giant to play football, I'm happy with where I am. I am happy with where I am and I never cared what anyone else said, it only further motivated me,” he said. PC: EFE

The 19-year-old French attacker will become just the third teenager in the history of football to feature in a World Cup final. Going into the mega game, he already has three goals; out of which, two he had scored against Argentina to take France into the quarter-final. Mbappe has impressed with his pace, dribbling and finishing skills and already has been linked to Real Madrid this summer as Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement. PC: EFE

The French skipper has been one of the best in business throughout the tournament and has played all France’s games leading up to Sunday’s final. Lloris has made crucial saves and will have to be at his absolute best to negate the deadly counterattacks of Croatia. PC: AFP

The Croatian right-back has been one of the most underrated players this World Cup. He has averaged 3.2 clearances and 2 interceptions per match with a 79% successful pass percentage. He has been a vital attacking passage and it was his near-perfect cross that led to Croatia’s equalizer in the semifinal against England. PC: AFP