A youthful France faces veteran-laden Croatia for World Cup

France's Samuel Umtiti, second from left, is congratulated by his teammates France's Antoine Griezmann, Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba, from left, after scoring the opening goal during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

MOSCOW (AP) — France is the established power with a young team full of speed and skill. Croatia has the veterans that have shown they can never be counted out.

The two sides will meet on Sunday in the World Cup final, with France going for its second title in its third final in 20 years. Croatia, a country that only gained independence in 1991, will be playing in its first.

"Tradition is there to be demolished," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said Saturday. "I'm not interested who is the opponent."

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic listens to a question during a news conference of the Croatian national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Most consider France to be the favorite for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, just like two years ago when the country's national team faced Portugal in the European Championship final at home.

But perhaps feeling complacent after beating Germany in the semifinals, France flopped.

"I don't think it's going to happen again," said France captain Hugo Lloris, who has been stellar in goal during this year's tournament. "We are far from thinking on our side that we have already reached the goal."

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris deflects a shot by Belgium's Toby Alderweireld during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Lloris was the goalkeeper in that 1-0 loss in Paris, facing a Portugal team that had reached the final after some extra-time victories.

Croatia has done the same this year, needing penalty kicks to beat Denmark and host Russia before defeating England in extra time in the semifinals.

France coach Didier Deschamps has made some changes to his team, however. Fourteen, to be exact, from the 23 players who made up the squad two years ago.

France headcoach Didier Deschamps grimaces as he listen to journalists's questions during the official press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium at the eve of the final against Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/David Vincent)

Another factor in France's favor is rest. The French had only two days of rest between the Euro 2016 semifinals and the final. This time, they have four full days to recover, one more than Croatia.

"A lot of things have changed," Lloris said. "Especially when it comes to recovery and preparation time."

Croatia has also played a lot more soccer in its six matches in Russia. With its last three matches going to extra time, the team has played a full 90 minutes more than France. There was also the added stress of two penalty shootouts.

That's all behind them.

Croatia's Luka Modric, right, points at Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic during a news conference of the Croatian national team at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

"Now, there is no pressure," Dalic said through a translator. "Simply this is the greatest moment in the life of all of us. We have come here to enjoy the final."

FIRST WIN

Croatia has not beaten France in five games since being accepted as a FIFA member federation in 1992.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Croatia and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

The first match was the most momentous — a 2-1 win for France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals at Stade de France outside Paris.

A group game at Euro 2004 ended in a 2-2 draw, and their latest game was a 0-0 draw in March 2011 in Paris.

UNBEATEN TEAMS

Both teams were unbeaten in the group stage, and France has trailed for only nine minutes in the entire tournament.

Argentina's 2-1 lead in the second half of a round-of-16 game was wiped out by defender Benjamin Pavard's long-range shot. Kylian Mbappe then exploded for two quick goals in the 4-3 victory.

In this photo taken with slow shutter speed France's Kylian Mbappe runs with the ball during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Croatia's 3-0 win over Argentina was a standout performance in the group stage. The team also never trailed in wins over Nigeria and Iceland.

It's been different in the knockout rounds. Croatia conceded the opening goal in each game before rallying to advance.

BACK TO LUZHNIKI

Both teams have played one game at the Luzhniki Stadium so far.

Croatia beat England 2-1 at the venue on Wednesday, while France's 0-0 draw with Denmark in its final group game ended with Russian fans booing the tournament's only scoreless draw.