Three key battles which could determine the World Cup final

2. Luka Modric vs. N’Golo Kante

For me, these are two of the best midfielders in the world. And they’ve proved it at this tournament, showing relentless energy to get their respective sides to this final.

However, they now come to face each other, and it’s tough to call who will come out on top.

Luka Modric likes to pick up the ball and dictate play from a creative standpoint. But he will face immense difficulties in doing so with the always energetic N’Golo Kante wanting to win possession as often as possible.

Kante is a clean player, winning the ball via the occasional standing tackle. Things could get pretty heated, though. We have seen Luka Modric has quite the short fuse on the big stage.

Kante has rarely been affected by the level of competition he faces, but one would assume Modric will give him a run for his money.

It’s a chance for both players to impress their new boss on a domestic level. Both Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte left their respective clubs recently.

However, I assume it won’t take much persuading for them to get minutes on the board, being two of the world’s best midfielders.

Modric’s energy levels shouldn’t be brushed aside, either. In the last three games Croatia has played, Modric has featured in at least 120 minutes of each.

Should this tie be taken to extra time – which for Modric’s sake, I hope doesn’t – then these two players will be pivotal to how well Croatia and France march on.

Definitely look out for this one, football fans!