IT'S the Final hardly anyone predicted but it's one that sees the right two teams facing off in Moscow.
France have grown into the tournament and after a steady start have produced spectacular wins against Argentina and Belgium en route to Sunday's showdown.
It's been the opposite for the Croats who won their three group games but have been held after 90 minutes in all of their knockout ties.
They needed penalties to see off Denmark and Russia then beat England after extra time. That means they've played a whole 90 minutes more than the French – and had a day less rest.
Both factors are crucial and the Croats looked dead on their feet at the end of their semi-final on Wednesday.
France are packed with pace and power and I'm backing them to win in 90 minutes at 10-11 with Ladbrokes and William Hill.
Both these sides I fancied at the start – Croatia were my dark horses and I expected France to make the last four at least.
I tipped Antoine Griezmann for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball but he has been outshone by PSG starlet Kylian Mbappe.
His speed could be a telling factor and I'm taking him to score first at 5-1 with Paddy Power and bet365 while he is 12-5 with Paddy Power at any time.
Griezmann is 9-2 with William Hill and Ladbrokes to break the deadlock and 2-1 at betfair to net.
If you want a long shot – and there have been loads this tournament – consider Raphael Varane at 33-1 with bet365.
Varane netted a cracker against Argentina and was denied by a good save from Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois in the semi-final. It was another defender, Samuel Umtiti, who netted the goal that took France into the Final.
Croatia need Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic to control the game if they are to have any chance but they'll be up against a formidable midfield.
That's one reason why the underdogs are as big as 4-1 at Marathonbet to win in 90 minutes while it's 47-20 the match ends in a draw.
On the outrights it's France at 4-9 with 188BET while the Croats are 2-1 at Marathonbet. A third Croat penalty shoot-out win pays 10-1 at BetBright and the French are the same price to win by that method.
My gut feeling is France will repeat their 1998 success but for anyone who believes in trends what about this.
New winners of the tournament lifted the trophy in 1958, 1078 and 1998 – twenty years on a country can a country with population smaller than Scotland do the business.
After 62 games, 161 goals and a string of surprises let's hope we gate a final to remember after a World Cup we'll never forget.
Recommended Bets
- France
- Mbappe to score first
- Varane to score
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