France to finish both halves on top

You can never be completely certain when it comes to finals, and that’s no more true than for a World Cup final. The stakes are so high that anything can happen. Having said that, on the basis of the two teams that are playing this one out, their recent form, the journey they’ve had to get here, and the overall quality of their respective sides - I have to go for France.

France

Both sides can give themselves a pat on the back for reaching the final. For France, it will come as less of a surprise and many tipped them to go far in this tournament. Surprisingly enough they’ve managed to do it without even playing the most attacking, exciting football everyone expected of them.

The French frustrated a Belgium team that made light work of tournament favourites Brazil

Adversely the French have held back, coming at a level of criticism. Despite them not playing the free flowing champagne football we’ve all come to expect and want from them I think they’ll be popping the corks by the end of the night.

I think that their steely resolve to see out games where they don’t completely overrun their opponent and outrightly dominate is in fact their greatest strength and they’ve demonstrated this time and again. From the first game against a surprisingly buoyant Australia side, to more recently against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the world when they met Belgium in the semis.

The French frustrated a Belgium team that made light work of tournament favourites Brazil, and winning a game 1-0 against such a wonderful attacking unit is commendable. The Belgians haven’t taken losing so well and have criticised France’s style of football, but conversely the French registered 10 more shots, and 2 more on target during the game. They can attack, they can defend and they'll be up at the end of both halves.

Croatia

The Croats have gone one better than Davor Suker’s heroes of ‘98. It’s been hard fought though, and Croatia haven’t managed to overcome an opponent in the knockout stages in 90 minutes yet. This has resulted in them pretty much playing an entire game of football more than their opponents.

I do think this one step too far for Croatia

Fatigue certainly played a part in the semi-final but adversely it was their opponents England who looked worn out. Croatia defied their critics and logic alike by getting a second wind in the second half, eventually finishing the English off in extra time.

Despite defying convention, I do think this one step too far for Croatia. Croatia main strength is without a doubt the quality of their midfield and attacking players. Their second is the experience those players have in high-intensity games. Modric, Mandzukic, Rakitic and Vrsaljko have all played in European finals for their clubs in recent years and I think it was that confident resolve that got the better of England in the end.

Match Tips

I have no doubt that this will be a final fitting of a wonderful tournament and it’s interesting that the underdogs Croatia have displayed more examples of fine attacking football than the hotly tipped French. Having said that the French have showed a resolve in sticky situations that nobody thought of before the tournament. You underestimate Croatia at your peril as the English have most recently found out, but the Croats despite being up for it will tire during the course of the match. France will be able to hold out and see the game through just as when they weathered the onslaught of attacks in their semi against Belgium.

I know it’s obvious to go for the favourite but I think this could be the most one-sided World Cup final in modern times. I’ve decided to put my money where my mouth is. If I’m so confident in France why not say they’re going to be up at the end of both halves. You’ll find my odds of 2/1 (3.00) with Bethard.

Bet France to win both halves on Bethard