Kylian Mbappe has become just the third teenager to play in a World Cup final after being named in France’s starting XI against Croatia on Sunday.
At 19 years and 207 days old, Mbappe is both the youngest Frenchman to ever play in a World Cup final, and the third youngest behind Pele in 1958 (17 years and 249 days) and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 (18 years and 201 days old).
If he scores against Croatia, Mbappe will become only the second teenager other than Pele to score in a final.
Both managers have named unchanged line-ups for Sunday’s clash in Moscow, with Blaise Matuidi once again in the starting XI as Didier Deschamps looks for extra grit in midfield.
Croatia had a few injury doubts following their exertions to reach final – they went to extra time on three occasions – but have stuck with the same side that beat England, with Marcelo Brozovic offering stability at the base of midfield.
Speaking about the difficult task Croatia face in trying to stop the rapid Mbappe, who has netted three times in Russia, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho underlined the need for retaining possession.
Speaking on Russia Today, he said: ‘I think first of all keep the ball, don’t lose the ball too much and don’t lose the ball in areas where one simple pass can put Mbappe in behind defenders.
‘Because no doubt Mbappe is faster than Vida and Strinic, and that’s the space Mbappe likes to attack. Mabppe is faster than them, they must know that.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Strinic plays closer to Vida and offers more protection. But fundamental is not to lose the ball.
‘If France let Brozovic, Modric and Rakitic have a high percentage of the ball, then it’s more difficult for Mbappe to be in a counter attack and get in behind a defensive line that I’m not saying is slow, but is not as fast as Mbappe.’
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