France v Croatia: Incredible pictures show huge crowds in Paris and Zagreb ahead of World Cup final

Incredible pictures show huge crowds packed into Zagreb and Paris as Croatia and France battle it out in the World Cup final.

A massive 140 square metre-television screen has been installed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, with several others arranged around a vast green space in the centre of the city.

The fanzone, with capacity for 90,000 people, was full to the brim by 11am with many more unable to get in.

The mood was festive with beer cans being shared as temperatures soared to 31C.

“The atmosphere is electric. Everyone is here for France to win,” said student Sarah, 21, who came with six friends. The group was happy despite not being able to get into the fan zone.

“It does not matter if we do not see the screen, we have our phones, we have water and we are together – that’s what’s important, everyone here has so much desire for victory.”

In Zagreb, Croatian fans braved rainy weather as they gathered in the central square some two hours before kick off.

Many fans wore team jerseys and waved flags as the square's monument was wrapped in national red-and-white colours.

Croatian media and officials have described the team's run to the World Cup final as the country's most important sports event ever.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic says "all this has been a wonderful experience... we should all be happy to be part of it."