WHO WANTS THE CUP?

CROATIA AND FRANCE TO BATTLE FOR SOCCER’S BIGGEST PRIZE

After 63 games, the World Cup is finally down to two. Croatia hopes to bring home its first World Cup in its 28 years as an independent nation, while France aims for its second title and first in 20 years. Here’s what you need to know about soccer’s biggest game.

Television coverage: Ch. 5 (Fox), John Strong and Stu Holden commentating Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow (Seating capacity: 80,000)

How did Croatia get here

The Croatians cruised through Group D with wins over Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland. They needed penalty kicks to get past Denmark in the round of 16 and hosts Russia in the quarterfinals, setting up a semifinal match against England on Wednesday. After giving up an early goal, Croatia battled back to tie the game in the second half and Mario Mandzukic’s extra time goal was enough to advance Croatia with a 2-1 win.

How did France get here

One of the tournament’s early favorites, France scratched out wins against Australia and Peru and a goalless draw against Denmark to win Group C. In the knockout stages, the French offense came alive in a 4-3 win over Argentina and 2-0 victory against Uruguay. In the semis against Belgium, Samuel Umtiti’s second-half header proved all the stout French defense would need to win 1-0 and move onto the final.