LOC09:34
06:34 GMT
KUWAIT, July 15 (KUNA) -- France will face Croatia in the World Cup Final clash in Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday, and whoever the winner would be the trophy would remain in Europe.
It was a long journey for both teams, conquering former champions and had brilliant performances that earned them a spot in the final.
France, which won the 1998 World Cup, had two wins and a draw in the group stages, and then cruised in three straight victories and in regular time in knockout stages.
France road to the final match was: 2-1 win over Australia, 1-0 over Peru, draw against Denmark, 4-3 victory over Argentina, 2-0 win over Uruguay and 1-0 over Belgium.
Croatia meanwhile won all three group stage matches, before hustling their way in three extra times to the final game. The Croats beat Nigeria 2-0, overcame Argentina 3-0, outmatched Iceland 2-1, beat Denmark in penalty shootouts 3-2, beat Russia in penalty shoot-outs 4-3 and winning 2-1 in extra time over England.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, speaking at a news conference Saturday evening, said "tomorrow is the final of the World Cup and my players know what that means.
"Statistics and records are here to be broken. It does not matter who is our opponent in the final. It is our goal to give our best, the whole world will be watching Croatia," said Dalic.
"We came here (to Russia) to enjoy the game and to win it. My players have played a lot of matches in the Champions League - including finals - but this is the biggest game of their careers," he added.
France coach Didier Deschamps said he has "huge respect for Croatia players and their coach Zlatko Dalic. We shall not forget what he did with a country that small."
Deschamps could become just the third man to win the World Cup as a player and coach.
Croatia's Ivan Rakitic said France was a very serious team, "they have they have fantastic players, in all positions. We know it will be difficult. We have to play the best we can, there will be a fight and our desire is huge ... We want to take the title. We want to take the trophy to Croatia."
France and Croatia have faced each other five times previously. France won three of those games (1998, 1999 and 2000), and the other two games ended as draws (2004 and 2011).
Both teams have already played at the Luzhniki stadium during this World Cup.
France played their last group match against Denmark (0-0) and Croatia their semi-final against England (2-1).
Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana, who officiated the Opening Match at Russia 2018, will be in charge of the Final at the Luzhniki Stadium. (end)
bs