ONE FINAL REVIEW

Everything you need to know about France vs. Croatia, with the World Cup title on the line

FRANCE WILL WIN WHY

Les Bleus have an average age of just over 26, one of the youngest in the tournament, and an exciting, speedy spark in 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who will be difficult for Croatia to contain. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris provides the ability to come up with big saves. France will have four days of rest, one more than Croatia, which also is coming off three straight extra-time matches.

Projected lineup

4-2-3-1 Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Kante, Pogba; Mbappe, Griezmann,

Matuidi; Giroud.

World Cup goals vs. Australia (2-1):

Griezmann (58-penalty), own-goal (81).

vs. Peru (1-0): Mbappe (34). vs. Denmark (0-0) vs. Argentina (4-3):

Griezmann (13-penalty), Pavard (57), Mbappe (64, 68).

vs. Uruguay (2-0):

Varane (40), Griezmann (61).

vs. Belgium (1-0):

Umtiti (51).

WHY CROATIA WILL WIN

Luka Modric, still in his prime at 32, remains one of the world’s most dynamic playmakers. He feeds Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic, who have provided important goals in the knockout matches.

Projected lineup

4-2-3-1 Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric; Rebic, Kramaric,

Perisic; Mandzukic.

World Cup goals

vs. Nigeria (2-0): own-goal (32), Modric (71-penalty). vs. Argentina (3-0): Rebic (53), Modric (80), Rakatic (90+1).

vs. Iceland (2-1): Badelj (53), Perisic (90).

vs. Denmark (1-1, 3-2 penalty shootout):

Mandzukic (4).

vs. Russia (2-2, 4-3 penalty shootout):

Kramaric (39), Vida (101).

vs. England (2-1): Perisic (68), Mandzukic (109).