Youthful French Experienced Croats

A World Cup of surprises concludes with a final of contrasts. Powered by the dynamism of Kylian Mbappe, France has youthful exuberance in a side packed with some of soccer’s highest-value talent. It also has pedigree — winners in 1998 and finalists in 2006.

Croatia has a veteran roster that has been stretched to the limit but continues to win in Russia. The Croats never give in, prevailing in a shootout against Denmark, again on penalties against Russia — after being stung by a late equalizer — and then recovering from conceding early against England. Just don’t suggest Croatia will be weary in Sunday’s final when it returns to the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.