Henry Winter
Chief Football Writer for the Times

It would have been nice to see Morocco in the final, just because of their fans and their coach. Everything about them, they have probably been the team of the tournament, because nobody expected it.

What it means for their continent, what it means for the justification of expanding the World Cup, whether you think that is right or wrong. They have been huge.

But when you've got a player like Lionel Messi playing like he has been in this tournament - I've seen Maradona - and now just seeing Messi play like this. He probably has played better in individual bursts for Barcelona but just seeing this new model Messi, in the twilight of his career, destroying a very good Croatia defence. He is one of the greatest players of all time.

I just hope as a purist and a Messi fan that he wins on Sunday.

It is probably the final that Fifa wanted to be fair.

Gordon Strachan
Former Scotland manager on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

We are so lucky to see Lionel Messi.

The genius of him, and we talk about who is the best, I think he is.

He does things that others can't even see. He scores all these wonderful goals and he assists.

He only needs to see feet and he sees a pass. It is real genius.

Guillem Balague
Spanish football journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

I am the kind of talker that will have a go at people who make this collective game into individuals.

However, on this occasion, this is a World Cup where these two teams have played in almost exactly the same way.

Let's not make things happen, let's cancel the rival and let's wait for the moment of our star. That is what has happened with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

What happens on Sunday will depend a lot of the performance of those two players.

It will not be one of those games where one side dominates and one of those two has 10 chances. It will be those two or three moments, which so far has taken them to the final, let's see how they define those moments. It will make one legendary and the other just hopeful.

One player French fans will hope is left untouched by the virus spreading through the France camp is Kylian Mbappe.

He's looking to steal the show just as he did when France met Argentina and played out a seven goal thriller at the 2018 World Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

France striker Randal Kolo Muani has confirmed what we reported before that there is sickness in the French camp, two days out from the World Cup final.

"There is a little flu that is spreading but nothing bad," he said at Friday's news conference.

He was swiftly shut down by the France press officer though who added, "Randal is not a doctor, we will explain to you later.".

Image source, Getty Images

How's your memory of World Cup finals from the past?

Delve into the history books with our beautiful photo-led piece on the tournament showpiece that everyone longs to win.

The Daily Mail

Image source, Getty Images

But there's some bad news for France.

Defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are the latest players to be hit by a virus spreading through the French camp, reports the Daily Mail., external

Both players started in France's 2-0 semi-final victory over Morocco on Wednesday night.

Centre-back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed that game after going down with the illness earlier this week.

Image source, Getty Images

French football expert, Julien Laurens says France “can put up a good fight” ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina.

“I want France to win another [World Cup], to go back to back, it’s very rare, that has only happened twice in the history of the game," Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“For us to do it again in Doha would be exceptional because it’s so difficult to do.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Laurens believes France cannot underestimate the threat that is Lionel Messi.

“Messi has been in the form of his life and considering he is 35 years old and he’s nearer the end than the beginning I just think it shows again that he’s the greatest of all time.

“Playing like that and carrying this time at 35 is very special."

Despite thinking “the whole world wants Messi to win it and Argentina” Laurens believes France have shown “grit and a great winning mentality”.

The third-place play-off. The match nobody wants to play.

Here's all the third-placed teams from World Cups in the 21st century.

2018 - Belgium

2014 - Netherlands

2010 - Germany

2006 - Germany

2002 - Turkey

Image source, Getty Images

That's all from Zlatko Dalic and Mateo Kovacic this afternoon.

Croatia face Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan at 15:00 GMT tomorrow.

You can watch that game on BBC One and iPlayer, and you can follow all the build-up and action on our live text page.

Croatia

Croatia head coach Zlakto Dalic on a referee from Qatar being appointed to do the third-placed play-off: "Fifa has taken a huge risk on themselves. I am not underestimating anyone but I hope that after the match that we won't be talking about the referee."

Croatia

Image source, Getty Images

Dalic on whether 22-year-old defender Josip Stanisic may play tomorrow against Bayern team-mate Noussair Mazraoui: "Josip Stanisic is our future. He has made several remarkable performances for our team. He plays for Bayern Munich and that's a great thing.

"He isn't playing a lot for the club but attends daily training with those players and his quality improves every day. He might play against Mazraoui tomorrow and I really hope he will play a high quality game."

Croatia

Image source, Getty Images

Kovacic on whether the Morocco fans will give them an advantage: "The Moroccan players have great supporters. They deserve that support. We also have our fans tomorrow. Our fans are always with us. I really hope tomorrow is going to be another such day where we will get the bronze medals with us. I would not agree that their fans will give them more."

Croatia

Image source, Reuters

Dalic on his plans for Morocco: "You are right, they are really motivated. They can say that it is not that important for them, but I know it is. It is normal for them to care and want that bronze medal.

"We have to be smart. We have to concentrate on our own game and on our own style. We mustn't have vertical passes. We have to be very protective and take care of Hakimi and Ziyech. They are very difficult to break. They concede only two goals, so we'll have to be patient and wait.

"Croatia must also play a better game than we did in previous games."

Croatia

Kovacic on a move away from Tiki Taka football: "It's very difficult for me. I like the tiki taka style of football. Is it a concept that belongs in history? It's difficult. Its proven that the compact approach and counter attack is very important in football - it brings trophies. Each match is different in football. Tiki Taka has not died out but these are the new trends that will decide matches.

On a change of generation in the Croatia team: "When it comes to change of generations in our team, the old players have shown how much they mean to us and I hope the younger ones will learn from them while they are still here. I really believe they are learning from us and one day a shift will happen."

Croatia

Image source, Getty Images

Kovacic on Croatia's achievements at this World Cup: "What we did so far to finish among the top four teams in the world is major. We have shown we belong there. We are of course sad, as when we reached the semi-finals, we wanted to go to the finals as well. Unfortunately that not the case this time.

"But our focus is on the upcoming major match and we;'ll do our best to bring bronze medal home."

Croatia

Dalic on predictions for the final between Argentina and France: "Both national teams are of high quality. They have different styles of play. France, for the second time in a row is in the final, and they are very dangerous. Sometimes, when they have no possession or control of the ball, they have Mbappe who is great and at any point in time he can dominate the scene. Argentina has Messi. It will be quite uncertain of a game. I am certain it will be high quality and I do not dare make any predictions. We'll keep our focus on our play-off and let the better team win."

Croatia

Image source, Reuters

Dalic on the first match against Morocco and his future plans for Croatia football: "The first match was the initial match, so it was important for both sides not to lose. It was played at 1pm and for both of us it was not convenient. Tomorrow will be a different match.

"My overall sharp focus is on tomorrow and the third-place play-off. We want to employ our best efforts. We have repeated our success in successive World Cups and we want to achieve more. We have many challenges. I believe we have to have tomorrow's match in our focus.

Croatia

Dalic on the benefits of a winter World Cup and the impact on clubs: "The greatest benefit was drawn by smaller national teams because their players came in mid-season in optimal form and were prepared. But all national teams have benefited from the timing.

"What will happen next? Their clubs might have some porblems, specifically those that have players that have played till the end or almost the end. For 25 days we have been here so it will be a problem for those clubs."

Kovacic: "Several of our players were injured prior to the World Cup so were prevented from playing here. Many of us will be exhausted when we go back but this is football, this is what we love doing. We will rest a bit but of course we have to focus on our clubs for the next six months."