The Top Flight Crew predicts the World Cup Final

Jake Sapsford – France 2-1 Croatia

I believe that the French midfield of Paul Pogba and especially N’Golo Kante will be able to oppose the dangerous Croatian midfield. The likes of Modric and Kovacic outclassed Jordan Henderson but won’t find it easy in the final. I expect Kylian Mbappe to impress again, and possibly get on the scoresheet alongside Antoine Griezmann.

Croatia was vastly superior against England from the second half onwards but should have been punished after England missed opportunities. I predict that the match will be tight, but France has soared through tougher matches and will avenge the poor defeat in the Euro 2016 final, on home soil.

John-Patrick Quinn – France 3-1 Croatia

I predicted France would win before the tournament began because of the strength of Mbappe and Griezmann. Those two though haven’t been alone in performing to the highest level in the France squad. Starring roles for Kanté, Pogba, Varane, and Lloris mean that France will have too much for a good, but tired Croatian side.

Zaph Hutson – Croatia 2-1 France

Croatia’s eye for open play goals and a defense that has blossomed recently will prove to be too much for overrated France. Take away Mbappé and Griezmann and Les Bleus are just a team of defenders.

Mahith Gamage – France 2-1 Croatia

I personally believe the midfield battle in the World Cup Final is something very special. France has the edge in the other areas of the pitch but all the focus will be on the centre of the park for both sides. Other than that, the wide areas will be key as well. Croatia crushed England in wide areas so it will be up to France’s inexperienced fullbacks to keep them quiet.

The underwhelming Ivan Strinic will also be entrusted with the task of keeping Kylian Mbappé quiet, which could end up being the area in which the match is won or lost. It will be a tightly contested match, perhaps a closer one than people expect it to be, but I believe France’s quality across the pitch will shine through in the end.

Next: Belgium takes home bronze in stale match

Jacob Diaz – France 2-0 Croatia

Once France scores a goal, I expect them to shut it down like they did against Belgium. If they can score early, it could be a long game for the Croats. But the longer the game stays 0-0, the more France will have to open up and push for a goal.

This is Croatia’s best chance. If they can get on the board first, France will have to push further to score, leaving them open to counterattacks. However, I expect France’s quality to shine through, and if Croatia piles on the pressure, look for Griezmann and Mbappe to combine for one more fatal counterattack to ice the game.