France are well fancied to lift a second World Cup, but what factors will decide their final clash with Croatia? We take a look.
France have powered through the rounds with stingy defence and a pragmatic approach, while Croatia have been through the ringer with two penalty shootouts and one extra-time victory.
Given the disparity in size and squad strength, France are big 2/5 favourites to lift the World Cup while Croatia are 2/1 outsiders to upset the odds.
World Cup finals are usually tight affairs - the last three have gone to extra-time, one has been decided on penalties and the last two have been goalless after 90 minutes.
With such fine margins, what will decide the outcome? We take a look at the big talking points and key battles for the World Cup final.
Well fancied France under pressure
This French squad is loaded with talent but will also be loaded with pressure in Moscow as they appear in their second successive major tournament final. Paul Pogba admitted they took Portugal too lightly in Euro 2016 when France missed the chance to win on home soil, and they'll be determined not to do the same this time around as big favourites for the game.
They've been pragmatic and defensive for most of the tournament, and needed set pieces and a keeper howler to win their quarter and semi-finals. They've only been behind for nine minutes in total and should they go behind in the biggest game of all who knows how they'll react. If they throw away another glorious chance to win a trophy they'll have hell to pay upon their return.
Can Croatia go the distance?
Croatia have been the marathon men of this tournament, going 120 minutes in all three knockout games and winning on penalties twice - they think they'll have the power of destiny on their side and that inner belief can carry teams a long way, but can their legs carry them all the way to World Cup glory?
Everyone thought they'd tire against England yet they looked stronger the longer the game went on, but France are a step up from England and the extreme pace of Kylian Mbappe and power running of Pogba will test the legs of their defence. They need to keep the ball and conserve energy and just stay in the game for as long as they can.
To win in extra-time: France 17/2 Croatia 18/1 Either team 11/2
Who will blink first in cagey affair?
World Cup finals are usually tight encounters, with the three most recent going to extra-time and you could not rule that out again given the way France play and Croatia's love of going the whole 120 minutes. Les Bleus have been happy to sit back and hit teams on the break, and so far it's worked a treat as once they go in front they look well capable of hanging on.
Croatia could well have the majority of possession early on, but do they go for broke if the game goes on being a stalemate? With Mbappe lurking it's a brave side who leaves space in behind but being brave on the ball is what most modern coaches are trying to preach. Whoever opens up first may just get caught on the break, or they may just win themselves the World Cup.
Head-to-head performances
Kylian Mbappe v Mario Mandzukic
Both sides possess goal threat and, in teenager Mbappe, France have one of the stars of the tournament. The youngster has torn defences apart with his blistering pace, dazzled with his skilful touches and shown a cutting edge in the box. He is a particular danger cutting in from the right and is the first player the likes of Pogba look for when launching attacks. Mandzukic, Croatia's main striker, presents a different type of challenge for defenders. His prime attributes are his strength and aerial power and, as England will recall, he can be clinical in front of goal. He can also operate as a lone striker or as one of a pair which gives his coach options.
First goalscorer: Mbappe 9/2 Mandzukic 8/1
Paul Pogba v Luka Modric
The final brings two of the world's best midfielders head to head and both have enjoyed excellent tournaments. Pogba has found more freedom in this France team than he has at Manchester United and he will look to dictate the pace and intensity of the game. Modric may not be popular with the Croatian public but he is the heartbeat of their side. He has impressed both on the ball and as a leader. His exact role can be variable - he can spray passes from deep or be pushed forward - and he rarely seems to tire, making him a constant danger.
Man of the Match: Pogba 16/1 Modric 8/1
Raphael Varane v Dejan Lovren
France have been solid in defence throughout the tournament, their thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina in the last 16 aside. Varane and Samuel Umtiti are a tough centre-back pairing and they have not conceded in their last two games. Croatia's defence is considered their weak link but they continue to do the business and get results. As he does at Liverpool, Lovren can look vulnerable at times but he does also make important challenges.
To win to nil: France 13/8 Croatia 6/1
Hugo Lloris v Danijel Subasic
Tottenham keeper Lloris has been in outstanding form this World Cup and has kept four clean sheets in six games so far. He pulled off an astonishing stop in the semi-final win over Belgium and is the 1/2 favourite for the Golden Glove award.
Subasic, though, is right behind him and he's been a giant in the penalty shootouts - most notably against Denmark when he saved three from the spot. Should the game go all the way again Croatia would probably be favourites given his penalty exploits, and given his reputation it may just put off a few French penalty takers stepping up and seeing his giant frame in their way.
Odds correct as of 1857 on 14/07/18
