Reasons France will win:

Aidan Knauth, Writer

Ethan Knauth/FIFA
Minimizing costly errors which lead to the elimination of their soccer powerhouse counterparts, France were able to reach the World Cup final.

France’s results leading up to the final- (W) 2-1 Australia; (W) 1-0 Peru; (D) 0-0 Denmark; (W) 4-3 Argentina; (W) 2-0 Uruguay; (W) 1-0 Belgium.

With many of the favored teams for the World Cup bowing out early, France has taken over those rights for this Sunday’s Final. Aidan Knauth gives you three reasons why France will win the World Cup final:

  • N’Golo Kanté and Kylian Mbappe- Most would say that in this World Cup these two players have been the best that have played for France since the great Zinedine Zidane. These individuals are the best of the best, having shown it on their world class club teams. Kante was signed to a team that was on the brink of being relegated to the English second division, Leicester. However, through his determination and leadership, he took over Leicester’s midfield line and lead them to a Premier league title in 2016. Kante plays as a calm, collective player that’s always be ready to attack and the plays as a 5’6” defensive wall thwarting all of the attacks that come his way. Mbappe plays with an agile movement coupled with speed which enables him to easily go around players to the point where they can’t keep up. Playing for France at the Under-19 European Championships, having scored five goals to lead them to victory. He has intrigued everyone by continuing score goals at a higher level, notching three so far this tournament, just as a teenager. Watchout this Sunday for these two players could bear the key to France’s success.
  • Experience- France is one of only 13 nations to ever make the World Cup Final and one of only eight to win, as they did so in 1998. The current coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, was on that 1998 squad, which gives France an  advantage because Deschamps can provide his team with the necessary insight heading into the Final. With thousands screaming in the stands and millions watching around the globe, France will have the upper hand because they have a veteran in their back pocket. In a World Cup winner in Deschamps, he brings his past knowledge of the competition which can help France focus on the task at hand and not the huge amount of pressure they will be facing.
  • Uncontested road to the finals- So far France has been unbeaten leading up to the Final, winning five matches and tying Denmark in the group stage. France has won every game in regular time not needing to go into extra time or into penalties. With Croatia having barely scraped by in extra time in the last three games, France will have the upper hand fitness-wise. France also has a tendency to take over the game and with Croatia fatigued, they will be able to impose their will onto their European neighbors.