France vs Croatia line ups: Team predictions for World Cup Final and talking points

France and Croatia are one game away from glory as the two nations meet in this afternoon's World Cup Final.

Croatia ended England's World Cup dreams with a 2-1 extra-time semi-final victory in Moscow on Wednesday night.

They will join France in Sunday's showpiece final after Les Bleus saw off Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday courtesy of a Samuel Umtiti header.

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi admits that while the French squad have been surprised by Croatia's stamina, they are not expecting their opponents to be tired on Sunday.

Croatia have been forced into extra time in each of their three knockout matches, edging Denmark and hosts Russia in penalty shootouts before scoring late in extra time to come from behind and beat England.

By contrast, France have not needed extra time at any point in the knockout stages, and will be fresh for their shot at immortality.

As for the Croatia squad, Ivan Rakitic revealed he had suffered a fever in the days leading up the semi-final, but was able to complete the full 120 minutes against England.

Ivan Perisic, however, is struggling with a thigh problem that could prevent him from taking part in the final.

The Inter Milan player scored the equaliser against England but received treatment in a Moscow hospital yesterday and will have round-the-clock care to try to ensure he is ready.

Probable starting line-ups

France (4-3-3): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Pogba, Kante; Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi; Giroud

Croatia (4-3-3): Subasic; Vrsajlko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Modric, Brozovic, Rakitic; Perisic, Mandzukic, Rebic