MOSCOW – France’s Kylian Mbappe has electrified this World Cup with speed and youthful exuberance.
Croatia’s Luka Modric has coolly controlled matches in Russia with graceful play in the middle.
Whether France wins its second title in 20 years or Croatia raises the trophy for the first time Sunday at the Luzhniki Stadium – in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin and nearly a billion television viewers – could turn on the play of the two stars.
Mbappe, 19, has been the biggest sensation in this edition of soccer’s quadrennial showcase, scoring three goals (including two against Argentina in the round of 16) and creating havoc for defenses with his pace and agility.
“It’s going to be the biggest match of my life, for sure,” said the star forward, who plays professionally for Paris Saint-Germain.