Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Youthful France faces veteran Croatia for title
France is the established power with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has the veterans that have shown they can never be counted out.
The two sides will meet Sunday in the World Cup final, with France going for its second title in its third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that gained independence in 1991, will be playing in its first.
“Tradition is there to be demolished,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Saturday. “I’m not interested who is the opponent.”
Most consider France the favorite for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, just like two years ago when the country’s national team faced Portugal in the European Championship final at home.
But perhaps feeling complacent after beating Germany in the semifinals, France flopped.
“I don’t think it’s going to happen again,” said France captain Hugo Lloris, who has been stellar in goal during this year’s tournament. “We are far from thinking on our side that we have already reached the goal.”
Lloris was the goalkeeper in that 1-0 loss in Paris, facing a Portugal team that had reached the final after some extra-time victories.
Croatia has done the same this year, needing penalty kicks to beat Denmark and host Russia before defeating England in extra time.
France coach Didier Deschamps has made some changes to his team, however. Fourteen, to be exact, from the 23 players who made up the squad two years ago.
Another factor in France’s favor is rest. The French had only two days of rest between the Euro 2016 semifinals and the final. This time, they have four full days to recover, one more than Croatia.
“A lot of things have changed,” Lloris said. “Especially when it comes to recovery and preparation time.”
Croatia has also played a lot more soccer in its six matches in Russia. With its last three matches going to extra time, the team has played a full 90 minutes more than France. There was also the added stress of two penalty shootouts.