World Cup 2018: France and Croatia at full strength for World Cup final

France manager Didier Deschamps shows faith in the same starting line-up that saw them overcome Belgium 1-0 in St Petersburg on Tuesday night.

While Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić sticks with the same players who edged out England 2-1 after extra-time on Wednesday at the Luzhniki Stadium, venue for today's final.

France are chasing a second World Cup triumph 20 years after their first in Paris with outsiders Croatia aiming to claim the trophy for the first time.

Croatia can cause a massive upset, but France are favourites as Moscow basked in sweltering summer sun and the world’s spotlight on the big day of the World Cup final.

A nation of just over four million are 90 minutes away from what could be a pleasant shock for them if Croatia beat France (kick off 4pm ) on Sunday to win a first-ever World Cup.

"If Croatia can win then we will all be able to dream of doing it," Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of the game, spelling out that the dominance of the tournament by the larger, established footballing super powers could be at an end.

The inspiration of Luka Modric, the anchor provided by Ivan Rakitic and attacking prowess of Mario Mandzukic will all be needed again if Croatia are to continue their fairytale run and lift the gold-plated trophy.

They will also have to dig deep to overcome the certain fatigue that has comes with having been forced into extra time in their last three matches, winning two on post-match penalties.

It contrasts with the slick progress of France, who beat Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium in the knockout stages to earn their status as favourites.

They have had to deal with accusations of uninspired tactics but coach Deschamps has shrugged off the criticism and told his players to be calm, confidence and to concentrate.

France: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Pogba, Kanté, Mbappé, Griezmann, Matuidi, Giroud

Croatia: Subasic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic, Rakitic, Modric, Brozovic, Perisic, Mandzukic, Rebic