2018 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL: France vs. Croatia ($100 Amazon gift cards!)
"The Crowd" has France as (-1.0) favorites
Editorial by: Graydon Fox
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2nd Place: $20 Amazon gift card
3rd – 5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card
If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.
Top 5 Winners:
- Jasonf78 (500 points)
- Robertbell726(500 points)
- Alemfinger2018 (500 points)
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Overview:
On Sunday, July 15th, France will play Croatia in the 2018 World Cup Final.
Team Statistics:
Goals Scored: Croatia 12 > France 10
Shots: Croatia 100 > France 75
Shot Accuracy: France 32% > Croatia 26%
Goals Allowed: France 4 = Croatia 4
Corners: Croatia 34 > France 19
Passing accuracy: France 84% > Croatia 82%
Fouls committed: France 79 > Croatia 101
Top Scorers:
France: Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe (3)
Croatia: Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric (2)
Saves:
France: Hugo Lloris 11 (73%)
Croatia: Danijel Subasic 12 (75%)
Summary:
France and Croatia are set to meet in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final in Russia. France is the heavy favorite with an absolutely loaded roster. France is certainly the more talented team on paper and went through the gauntlet compared to the relatively easy path Croatia had. France’s dynamite striker tandem of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann is full of pace and technical ability. Paul Pogba is among the most talented midfield players in the world capable of taking over a game both offensively and defensively. Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti anchor a back line that has been as good as any in this year’s tournament. Hugo Lloris is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and can make up for mistakes caused by the back line.
Zlatko Dalic has pushed all the right buttons for a Croatia team that few expected to reach the Final. Croatia is led by their all world midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic who control the pace of the game and elevate the play of everyone around them. Mario Mandzukic is an aerial threat in the box while Ivan Perisic is a dangerous winger. Danijel Subasic has had a strong tournament in goal but he isn’t on the same level as Lloris. If Croatia has a weakness it’s their back line who rely more on positioning and smarts than pure athleticism.
Bottom Line:
France has had an extra day of rest and Croatia has had three of their games go to extra time. The midfield clash should be incredible as both teams have elite level talent. France has the superior athletes but Croatia’s technical ability can control the tempo. The speed of Mbappe and Griezmann will be too much for Croatia’s back line so I’m taking France in a thriller.
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