Gladiators of the World Cup colosseum

One month and 63 games later, Russia 2018 reaches its climax today. As France and Croatia get ready for the final, here’s a penpix of the likely lineups

The ability to live together, the social side, is very important. You always need to strike the right balance (in the team). You don't want too much individualism, too much quality. The collective spirit has to trump everything else

DIDIER DESCHAMPS, France coach

With this great result (of reaching the final), we have definitely entered history as one of the smallest countries ever in the World Cup final. When we look at the conditions in which we work, we are a world wonder and phenomenon

ZLATKO DALIC, Croatia coach

FRANCE

AVERAGE AGE : 26

HUGO LLORIS | 31 | GOALKEEPER

France's captain has underlined his status as a leader throughout their run to the final, making an outstanding low dive to claw away a header from Uruguay's Martin Caceres in the quarter-final and then producing another awesome save in the semi-final against Belgium to deny Toby Alderweireld.

BENJAMIN PAVARD | 22 | RIGHT-BACK Had only made his France debut eight months ago and confessed to crying when he was named in the World Cup squad. Looked a bit vulnerable against Belgium's Eden Hazard, but has produced lively displays going forward. His stunning goal against Argentina will be remembered forever.

SAMUEL UMTITI | 24 CENTRE-BACK

Got off to a bad start in giving away a penalty for handball against Australia but overall has been impressive and continued to get stronger as the tournament progressed. He adds power to the team from set pieces as he showed by scoring the winner against Belgium.

RAPHAEL VARANE | 25 | CENTRE-BACK Arrived in Russia with a fourth Champions League winners' medal in his pocket and has barely put a foot wrong all tournament. Broke the deadlock against Uruguay with a glancing header and then put his body on the line to protect their lead. Was also outstanding against Belgium, keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet throughout the semi-final.

LUCAS HERNANDEZ | 22 | LEFT-BACK There were suggestions the Atletico Madrid defender could switch nationalities to Spain but he finally made his full debut in March. Has been rock solid in Russia, shuttling up and down the left flank with confidence. At the same time he has been cautious enough to make sure he doesn’t over commit.

N'GOLO KANTE | 27 | MIDFIELDER

Short, understated and tireless, Kante's remarkable capacity for closing down the opposition made Paul Pogba claim that he has 15 lungs after France's opening win over Australia. He has not looked back since, providing a vital screen for the defence and relieving his fellow midfielders of defensive duties.

BLAISE MATUIDI | 31 | MIDFIELDER

One of France's most experienced players and playing at his fourth major tournament, he had to deal with being benched for the opening game against Australia. But he won his place back at the expense of Corentin Tolisso and has made his spot on the left side of the midfield his own.

KYLIAN MBAPPE | 19 | FORWARD Criticised for his early displays, he came into his own in the thrilling last-16 game with Argentina with some unstoppable bursts and two goals, drawing comparisons with Pele for being the first teenager to net twice in a World Cup game since the Brazilian. His pace and power make him France's most deadly weapon.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN | 27 FORWARD

France's talisman and the top-scorer at Euro 2016 has not had a whirlwind tournament although he has delivered when it has mattered, creating the first goal against Uruguay and scoring the second and providing another set-piece delivery for Samuel Umtiti's winner against Belgium.

OLIVIER GIROUD | 31 | FORWARD

His continued inclusion in the team divides opinion in France as he has not managed to score or have a shot on target despite starting five games in the World Cup. The team, however, clearly benefit elsewhere on the pitch because of his power, hold-up play and putting in those passes or headers for his mates to capitalise on.

CROATIA AVERAGE AGE : 27.40

DANIJEL SUBASIC | 33 | GOALKEEPER The Monaco goalkeeper can make a valid claim to be Croatia's hero to this point. Subasic became only the second goalkeeper to save three penalties in a shootout at the World Cup in the last-16 victory over Denmark. Then he saved one penalty in Croatia's shootout success over Russia to keep their hopes alive.

IVAN STRINIC | 30 | LEFT-BACK

Was often left exposed by the very attack-minded Ivan Perisic ahead of him against England but was much more solid as the match progressed. No Croatian player has made more tackles throughout the tournament than the AC Milan player.

SIME VRSALJKO | 26 | RIGHT-BACK

A key cog in the well-oiled Atletico Madrid unit, Vrsaljko has become a part of another solid defensive side for his national team. His crossing prowess cannot be underestimated either, having provided the pinpoint delivery for Ivan Perisic to equalise against England in the semi-final.

DOMAGOJ VIDA | 29 | CENTRE-BACK The Besiktas defender courted controversy and was forced to apologise after speaking out in support of Russia's neighbour and adversary Ukraine. On the pitch, Vida has made the most interceptions of any Croatian in Russia, with his no-nonsense approach, allowing opposition forwards no room.

DEJAN LOVREN | 29 | CENTRE-BACK Lovren won almost double the number of aerial duels of any team-mate against England, including a crucial header at the death in extra time, with England desperate to equalise. Lovren has made more blocks in the tournament than any Croatia player and showed improved composure on the ball.

MARCELO BROZOVIC | 25 | MIDFIELDER One of the key components in the midfield, Brozovic provides the defensive protection that allows Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric to venture forward and utilise their passing ability to devastating effect. Not always the first name on the team-sheet, Brozovic fits into Zlatko Dalic's system perfectly.

LUKA MODRIC | 32 | MIDFIELDER

The Real Madrid orchestrator-in-chief has known no bounds in Russia, covering a colossal 63 kilometres so far in the tournament — more than any other player. Only three players in Russia have created more chances than Modric, who has created double the number of chances than any of his teammate.

IVAN PERISIC | 29 | FORWARD

Following on from his last-minute winner against Iceland to seal top spot in Group D, Perisic then popped up with a vital equaliser against England to turn the match on its head. The experienced Inter Milan forward has often been the man his nation turns, to having either scored or assisted in 10 goals for Croatia at major tournaments.

ANTE REBIC | 24 | FORWARD

For those who were not up to speed with Rebic's talent, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward announced himself to the world with a brilliantly taken opener against Argentina and has been difficult to mark for many left-backs in the the tournament. France’s Lucas Hernandez will have his work cut out.

MARIO MANDZUKIC | 32 | FORWARD

By far his country’s current leading marksman, Mandzukic has saved his World Cup goal-scoring for the knockout rounds in Russia, with the opener against Denmark in the last 16, before arguably the most important goal of his career — the winner against England in the semi-final, in second half of extra time.