Saturday 13 / September / 2025
MUSCAT: The Balkan state will face Les Bleus 20 years after losing to them in the 1998 World Cup semi-final, eventually finishing third in what was their first football tournament as an independent nation.
Their strength of character, resilience, and tactical discipline were on full display as they defeated England 2-1, coming from behind to win in extra time. Those qualities will serve them well against a French squad that boasts depth in every position and some of the most talented footballers in the world.
“We deserved to reach the final. What the lads played tonight was fantasy, they’ve made history,” said Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic.
“Maybe that game has historical significance, maybe the dear Lord is giving us the chance to settle a score,” Dalic said.
“We reached the final, we want to play the final, France had one extra day to recover but there will be no excuses.
“We haven’t said our last word, there is still one more game to go. God willing, we will be world champions.
“This tournament will be won by a team with character. We were a goal down in three games in a row. We have shown character. We will now celebrate, rest and then prepare for France. It is another daunting task but we are ready for it,” Dalic added.
That feeling, of history being in the made, was echoed by French coach Didier Deschamps.
“We have prepared well, I can brag a little about that,” laughed Deschamps.
“The older players all played their role as leaders and the youngsters brought their energy. I have a squad with a good blend. They have co-habited happily together.
“No one complains and they all realize the importance of the competition. When there was an opportunity to be seized, they took it.”
Deschamps, who captained France’s only World Cup winning side in 1998, said the march to Sunday’s final has been underpinned by a steely determination.
“There is a spirit in the squad that can move mountains,” he said. “They are young and they will be even stronger in two and four years’ time.
“We have created an opportunity to become world champions but we are still not there. But we want to fulfil our destiny.”
The match-up will be a true clash of styles, with France firm favourites to secure their second World Cup trophy.
But the steely character and tough-as-nails personality Dalic has drilled into his squad will provide the French with an intriguing obstacle. What they lack in star names they more than make up for with a spirit embodied by Dejan Lovren, Ivan Perisic, Mario Mandzukic and their imperious captain Luka Modric.
The comradarie of the Croatians saw them comeback in each of their previous matches, impressively overcoming Denmark, Russia and England from losing positions.
France, on their part, are peaking perfectly after a sluggish start to the World Cup. Their path to the final has been arguably more impressive than their opponents tonight, having dispatched Argentina in a 4-3 thriller, routed Uruguay 2-0, and beating the Belgians 1-0.
With millions on every continent watching, both teams promise to give their all in a classic match-up that will make football history. (With Inputs from Reuters, Images from DPA)
