World Cup Final 2018: France vs Croatia, 3 key battles to watch out for

#1 Luca Modric vs N’Golo Kante

Luca Modric will be key for Croatia against France in the final

One of the key players behind Croatia’s surprising run to the final is their midfield mainstay, Luca Modric. The Real Madrid star has been phenomenal in the tournament and he’s one of the front-runners for the coveted Golden Ball award.

The playmaker has scored two goals and assisted one more in the World Cup. That he is one of the best creative players in the world is a no-brainer. However, if Croatia has Modric’s artistry, France have more physical strength in the midfield with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.

Kante, in particular, has been impressive in Russia with his aggression and ball-recovering ability. Often tasked with breaking opposition attacks, the 27-year-old Chelsea man will be a major hiccup to Croatia’s ambitions. The talented Belgium players, in the first semifinal game against France, were found wanting in central midfield which means it will be a daunting task for a fatigued Croatian side to see off the French challenge.

Battles, as they say, are won and lost in midfield. The showdown between Modric and Kante might as well decide as to which way the tide will turn on Sunday.