The Top Flight Crew predicts the World Cup Final
By Orri Benatar
The biggest match in sports is today so we decided to have members of the Top Flight staff predict the final.
Today will be an emotional roller coaster. It’s the day a new world champion will be crowned in Moscow and the conclusion of maybe the greatest World Cup of all time. We went along for the ride and loved almost every second of it. Now its time for France v Croatia.
To celebrate the World Cup final, members of the Top Flight Crew (as we like to call ourselves) predicted the final. Let’s take a look at what they said will happen.
Shanith de Mel – France 3-1 Croatia
Pre-tournament favourite France comes in to this in imperious form, while quiet achievers Croatia are more than happy to embrace the underdog tag. Expect a tight game, but having struggled against Raheem Sterling in the semis and gone three consecutive games of 120 minutes, Croatia’s defence will struggle against Mbappe and France’s youthful attack.
In midfield, Croatia’s lack of height will count against them, although the trio of Modric, Rakitic and Brozovic can fashion opportunities from nowhere. Mario Mandzukic will fancy his chances against an at-times erratic French defence of Umtiti and Varane, and will be Croatia’s greatest threat working alongside Perisic and Rebic cutting in from the flanks.
The French will target the Croatian fullbacks with their lightning counters. France will be expected to lift their second World Cup, and with Lloris in goal and a greater quality throughout the team, expect a comfortable win, although if Croatia score first, it could be tight.
Esteban Bailey – France 3-0 Croatia
France is the best attack and defense that Croatia will have faced this entire tournament. The French midfield will dominate as Kante and Pogba will run circles around the tired Croatian legs and the speed on the wings will break the Croatian defense. France is not as naive as England when it comes to defending second balls or crosses and therefore they will neutralize the Croatian attack.
France must not let this game be as cagey of an affair as the Euro 2016 final or else they will risk losing again. France will know this and they will come out with a high powered attack and they will look to kill the game off early. If France dominates Modric and Rakitic in the middle, then Les Blues win comfortably.
Lucas Donnaperna – France 3-1 Croatia
I feel like France will control the midfield and win most of the 50-50 balls. I also expect to see lots of combination play and long balls starting from Kante and Pogba.
Orri Benatar – France 2-1 Croatia
Every World Cup I have seen, the final was won by the better team throughout the tournament. Germany was the best team in 2014, Spain was in 2010, etc. France is the best team in Russia and Croatia is a close second. France is a full team from Hugo Lloris in goal to Kylian Mbappe on the wing. Les Blues is set now and for years to come.
I don’t think Croatia will have enough in the tank to win a fourth straight game. The only way they can win is if they score an early goal or two. N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba will be winning the ball constantly for France and one run from Mbappe can lead to the goal that wins the World Cup for France. Croatia has played 360+ minutes in 10 days while France has played three 90 minute games. They will lift their second World Cup.
Uzair Madhani – Croatia 2-1 France (Extra Time)
All the signs point to France. They’ve fought through the harder side of the draw. Their stars have shone throughout this tournament. Croatia is battle-weary, coming through their third consecutive period of extra-time. France has an extra day of rest, and not a single game of theirs has gone beyond the 90-minute mark.
They’re brimming with young talent, while Croatia’s stars have to hope that adrenaline can keep them going. It’s France’s game for the taking, but I’m backing Croatia. In a World Cup that’s been full of surprises, why not one more? Portugal did it in the Euros, and Croatia can do it here.