Where the World Cup final will be won and lost

We highlight three key battles which may decide whether France or Croatia left the trophy in Moscow

Kante v Modric
If Croatia are to upset the odds they are going to need a monumental performance from their midfield magician Luka Modric.

No player has run more than Modric in the World Cup but France have generally defended in a low, compact block during this tournament with N'Golo Kante screening the back four to perfection.

Modric may get more space if he hangs back in a deeper role, but if he does that will he be too far away from goal to impact matters?

Hernandez v Vrsaljko
For someone who was supposed to be injured Sime Vrsaljko put in a superb performance at right-back for Croatia in the semi-finals. His cross was converted by Ivan Perisic for the equaliser against England and he cleared a John Stones header off the line.

France use a lop-sided midfield with Blaise Matuidi tucking in from the left to help Kante and Paul Pogba, so the free man is likely to be Vrsaljko, who will be up against full-back Lucas Hernandez.

Les Bleus used the same tactics in their semi-final with Belgium, deciding Nacer Chadli was the weak link and allowing him to have the ball. It could be a different story if Vrsaljko gets time and space.

World Cup final

Mark Langdon's match preview

Special bets

Philippe Auclair's view from France

Andy Brassell's verdict

Racing Post football writers have their say

Mbappe v Strinic
This contest has the potential to be embarrassing and Croatia's left-back Ivan Strinic must have had sleepless nights thinking how best to nullify the speed of Kylian Mbappe.

Strinic, not the quickest and arguably the worst player in the Croatia side, has also had his fitness issues and has been substituted in all three knockout matches.

Mbappe will terrorise Strinic unless he gets help but overcompensating for the teenage superstar could open up the field for Antoine Griezmann to take advantage.

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