France and Croatia have taken different paths to reach tonight's final, but both teams have proven to be the best at the tournament after topping their groups, and successfully withstanding the "win or go home" pressure of the knockout rounds. Sadique Shaban has the details.

Croatia might have come to this year's World Cup as an underdog. The team was not among many people's favorite as the tournament kicked off. They began with a 2-0 win over Nigeria in their opening Group D, and followed that up with a 3-0 win over favourites Argentina, to secure progression to the knockout phase. A 2-1 win over Iceland secured top spot in Group D, and it was not long before Croatia changed perceptions with an extra time victory over Denmark in the round of 16. When they eliminated the hosts Russia in a penalty shootout, Croatia had elevated themselves a number one contenders. They reinforced that statement with a 2-1 in extra time victory against England in the semi-final, to reach the finals for the first time.

IVAN RAKITIC CROATIA MIDFIELDER "There will be energy. If we will carry one another, we will have the energy. We know this is the biggest match for us, and we want to leave the pitch with our heads held high, and to say that we have done everything we could, that we were fighting and God gives us a little bit of power, and that everything turns out as we want."

France, on the other hand, have not had to get to any extra time. They won their group after beating Australia 2-1 in their opening Group C game, before edging out Peru 1-0, and eventually drawing with Denmark 0-0. Les Bleus knockout action saw them win a seven-goal thriller against Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16. They then dispatched a stubborn Uruguayan side 2-0 in the quarters. In the semis, they beat free-scoring Belgium 1-0, in a game they were accused to be anti-football.

BLAISE MATUIDI FRANCE MIDFIELDER "It's a World Cup Final -- it's a childhood dream that is now coming true -- to be able to play in in a final. It is so close. We want to touch this Cup, but before touching, there are 90 minutes, or let's see, 120 minutes. We must give all. It's the match of our lives."

Sunday's final proves to be a battle of two worthy opponents. France will be trying to emulate their 1998 heroics, as they aim to win the title for the second time, while Croatia will be hopin to make it a first time world championship triumph. Sadique Shaban, CGTN.