MARTIN KEOWN’S THREE KEY CLASHES

N’GOLO KANTE v LUKA MODRIC

WHEN Kante (left) is in your team, it’s like playing with 12 men. He is a motorbike in midfield, scooting everywhere at high speed. He will do that in the last minute of extra time if needed. Modric (right) controlled the semifinal against England after half-time. He and Ivan Rakitic love to get forwards but even if Paul Pogba is not keen on defending, Kante will happily smother them both.

BENJAMIN PAVARD v IVAN PERISIC

IF Perisic is declared fit, then Pavard — a centre half playing right back — is perfectly suited to facing him. Both Croatia wingers are tough, aggressive and not afraid to put a foot in. Perisic (right) and Ante Rebic are like twins and are likely to switch wings throughout the game. Pavard (left), who plays for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, will need to use all his strength.

KYLIAN MBAPPE v JOSIP PIVARIC

PIVARIC (right), who replaced left back Ivan Strinic when he went off injured in extra time against England, will not sleep easy tonight. He may have clocked the same top speed at the tournament as Mbappe (left) but the France forward will be so tricky to handle. Mbappe will go straight for the jugular — and if he cuts inside he will be a handful for Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida in the middle.