We take a look at the World Cup 2018 Final match between France and Croatia on Monday morning (16/07/2018). We take a look at both teams odds and give our tips and value tips for the World Cup 2018 Final match.
When: 01:00 | Monday 16/07/2018
Watch: SBS HD
Preview:
France have looked the standout team of the knockout stages and will go into the 2018 World Cup Final as clear favourites, but standing in their way is a plucky Croatia outfit that has defied the odds to make it to this stage of the tournament.
Can France claim a second World Cup victory or will the Croatian fairy tale continue? We have analysed both teams and our complete 2018 World Cup Final tips can be found below.
France vs Croatia Betting
France have been favourites to win the 2018 World Cup ever since Brazil were knocked out by Belgium and they are dominant $1.91 favourites to win the final in regular time, while they are $1.45 to lift the trophy.
The past three World Cup Finals and past three Croatia games have been draws at the end of 90 minutes, so the $3.25 for the stalemate could appeal.
Croatia are $4.50 to win the World Cup Final in regular time and $2.80 to lift the trophy.
How They Got There
It took France a while to warm into the 2018 World Cup, but they have been the best side during the knockout stages.
They were nothing short of outstanding against Argentina in the Round of 16 and they were always in control in their wins over both Uruguay and Belgium.
The scary thing for Croatia is that this French outfit does look to have another gear!
It has been a genuine slog for Croatia to qualify for their first World Cup Final.
They required penalty shootouts to eliminate Denmark and Russia, while they came back from a goal down to record an extra-time win over England in a truly memorable Semi Final.
Recent Meetings
This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two sides since France beat Croatia in the Semi Finals of the 1998 World Cup on their way to winning the tournament.
They have only met on five previous occasions, but Croatia are still chasing their first win over their rivals.
Analysis
It has been an incredible run for France to reach the 2018 World Cup, but there is no doubt that three straight 120 minute matches have got to take their toll on this side.
They were able to finish over the top of England, but they still looked absolutely exhausted and this French outfit has the ability to take advantage of tired Croatian legs.
France will go into this game relatively fresh.
Not only have they had an extra day to recover from their Semi Final win over Belgium, but they have won all their knockout games in regular time and it is fair to say that they have never been fully physically tested.
France really do look like they have another gear to go to and stopping the attacking duo of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe will be extremely tough for the Croatian back four.
The midfield battle will be fascinating and Luka Modric is obviously the key man for Croatia once again, but he could end up being man-marked by N’Golo Kante and that could limit the impact that he can have on this clash.
It really would take a super-human effort for Croatia to claim a fourth straight win and I think that this France outfit might just have too much quality.
Back France To Win @ $1.91
Odds:
Tip: France at $1.91
Value BET: France 3-1 at $20.00
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change