luka Modric v Paul Pogba
Modric has been widely hailed as the world's best midfielder for his performances in Russia and has emerged as a Ballon d'Or contender after also winning his fourth Champions league in five years at Real Madrid.
That is a status Pogba aspires to, but the one-time world's most expensive player has sacrificed some of his creative talents for the good of the team in Russia.
Pogba has formed a formidable partnership with N'Golo Kante at the heart of the French midfield.
Should Pogba and Kante also prevent Modric from taking control of the midfield as he did despite tired legs in the second half against England, it will take France a long way towards a first World Cup in 20 years
Mario Mandzukic v Raphael Varane
Mandzukic often saves his best for the big occasion, most recently shrugging off a knee injury to strike the winner against England in the semi-final.
The Juventus forward also has a great record when facing Varane. He will be used as a focal point to try and bring Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic into the game, but Varane has arguably been the best centre-back at the World Cup and has the speed, height and power to nullify Croatia's biggest goal threat
Marcelo Brozovic v Antoine Griezmann
Recalled by Zlatko Dalic for the semi-final, Inter Milan midfielder Brozovic freed up Modric and Rakitic from defensive duties at the base of the midfield and always provided an out ball for his centre-backs as Croatia dominated possession.
Griezmann has improved as the tournament has progressed and has been France's main playmaker, providing the assists for Varane's and Samuel Umtiti's goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.