A spotters’ guide to the World Cup final By Daniel Zeqiri

Pick a side

The first decision you have to make is whether to watch the game on BBC or ITV, with both showing full live coverage.

BBC’S coverage of the 2014 final between Germany and Argentina drew in four times as many viewers as ITV.

The build-up

Expect two types of glossy montage, set to Tchaikovsky or something dramatic.

The first will track France and Croatia’s path to the final; the second will remind each nation that they stand on the shoulder of giants, with a nostalgic look at Carlos Alberto’s goal and Roberto Baggio’s skied penalty. Then some retired legends will be brought out to reminisce about the good old days before the real stuff begins.

Closing ceremony

Forget Robbie Williams and that red leopardprint jacket. The closing ceremony will be an eclectic affair, featuring Will Smith (below), who is singing again, apparently, plus people called Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi.

Whoever is involved, you will be shouting at the screen telling them to get on with it.

The match itself

The past three World Cup finals have gone to extra time so be prepared for the long haul. Those 360 minutes of football produced only four goals, so expect another tense affair.

ITV’S senior commentator Clive Tyldesley will get the gig, probably aided and abetted by Glenn Hoddle.

Guy Mowbray is likely to be the BBC’S main man. Then 22 men will kick a ball around for a while, Gary Neville will criticise a goalkeeper in coruscating terms and one team will be world champions.

The prize-giving presentation

After the trophy presentation, there will also be some individual awards, including the Golden Ball, the prize for the player of the tournament. Remember a disconsolate Lionel Messi collecting the award after losing the 2014 final with Argentina?

Then it is back to the studio for a final goodbye and one last montage before we reconvene in four years to do it all again in Qatar.