Luka Madrid books his ticket to World Cup Final

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has qualified for the 2018 World Cup Final in Russia. Alongside his national team Croatia, he will play against France.

The 2018 World Cup Final is all set and ready to go, the only factor that is still undecided is who will win. The Final will feature France and Croatia, two teams of very different pedigrees but both with hearts of a lion.

This is just the fifth World Cup that Croatia has taken part in. While that may seem like a lot, understand this it is a nation of 4 million people. Croatia’s best run, prior Russia 2018 was a semi-final appearance in 1998. In their three previous participations that have failed to exit the group stage.

Croatia has been on their A-game this time around. A brilliant performance against Argentina in 3-0 victory saw the Croatians gain some respect. They finished top of their group and are now in the Finals.

Their match against England was by no means an easy one, especially in the first-half. After bringing the game level though, Croatia asserted their dominance through the midfield. Maturity and a great passing game saw them go through.

Match Recap

England where unquestionably the favorites to win the match. With the wind in their sales and a great run in the World Cup, they looked unstoppable. From the kick-off the English ran rampant on the Croatian defense, using their pace to their advantage.

Luka Modric’s foul near the top of the 18 yard-box just minutes into the match altered the game. Kieran Trippier’s free-kick from the spot was beautifully taken, putting England up 1-0. England controlled much of the possession for the remained of the half and looked threatening. Several last second blocks and interceptions ensured that the Three Lions did not snatch another goal.

The second half saw a different Croatia come out of the tunnel. The team became more cohesive in their passing and off the ball runs.  This was evident as Croatia had 126 passes more than England, and did so efficiently with an 81% pass accuracy, six percent better than England.

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Unable to penetrate the midfield and string up some passes together, England opted to play long balls, 103 to be exact. Croatia was a menace in Englands defensive zones making 40 crosses, in comparison, Southgate’s men had just 16.

Hard work paid off as Croatia drew level in the 68th minute from Ivan Persic’s lunging toe poke from the cross. With the game level, the Croatian’s shifted into another gear as the belief and support from fans intensified.

Both teams would have their chances in the remainder of regulation but Croatia was clearly controlling the game. With extra time necessary, the Croatians kept up the tempo resulting in another great chance. Mario Mandzukic held his line perfectly to get on the end of the ball inside the penalty area. Firing home the goal put Croatia up 2-1 and England desperately chasing.

Maturity and great holding midfielders kept the game locked down and score line stagnant. With England unable to get their feet on the ball or have any useful possession it was easy pickings.

Final

Croatia will play in the World Cup Final against France a team that was and still are heavy favorites to win the competition. Controlling the midfield has been a huge part of their game plan and something that will likely happen in the Final as well.

Luka Modric and Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakatic will play a great role in their team once again. Match fitness and freshness are a big concern for the Croatian team as all their games in the knock out stage have required extra time. As a result, Modric has played 360 minutes of football in his last three games.

The whole of Croatia will be cheering for their nation proudly as they look to write their name in the history books. Mental toughness and experience will be big for Croatia and while they don’t have as many big name players as France they have the heart. Croatia has seized to back down having proved many wrong.