The World Cup 2018 reaches its climax on Sunday when France and Croatia meet in the final and it promises to be a pulsating affair.
Croatia have played three back-to-back 120 minute ties and they beat England in the semi-final 2-1, after the Three Lions took the lead early on courtesy of a wonderful free-kick from Kieran Trippier.
However, the Croats did not appear to show any fatigue and, in fact, grew as they game went on and scored in the final 20 minutes and again in extra-time, as their dominance in the middle of the park over a weary England showed.
Meanwhile, Les Bleus progressed into Sunday’s showpiece event with a 1-0 victory against Belgium.
Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti superb header ensured the French advanced to their third World Cup final.
The French have dazzled in the knock-out stages and will be looking to their prodigy Kylian Mbappe to inspire them to victory after 20 years since their triumph in 1998 on home soil.
France vs Croatia head-to-head record
The omens appear to look good for Les Bleus in their quest for a second title.
Fortunately for Didier Deschamps men, Croatia have never beaten France in five attempts.
20 years ago, during France’s history triumph at the 1998 World Cup, Les Bleus beat Croatia 2-1 in the semi-finals.
It’s all set: we’ll play Croatia in the final of the @FIFAWorldCup on Sunday! ?????#FiersdetreBleus #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/e9fZKJSqyM
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) July 11, 2018
France then won friendlies in 1999 (3-0) and 2000 (2-0).
However, the good news for Croatia is the last two meetings have ended in draws: a 2-2 draw at Euro 2004, and a 0-0 draw in 2011.
The sides meet for the first time in seven years, but can Croatia change history?