FIFA World Cup 2018 final: France penpix

Football - World Cup - Semi Final - France v Belgium - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 10, 2018 France's Hugo Lloris makes a save REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

MOSCOW: France World Cup final penpix:

Hugo Lloris, goalkeeper, 103 caps, 0 goals

France’s captain has underlined his status as leader throughout their run to the final, making an outstanding low dive to claw away a header from Uruguay’s Martin Caceres in the quarter-final and outdoing himself in the semi-final against Belgium with a world class save to deny Toby Alderweireld.

Benjamin Pavard, right back, 11 caps, 1 goals

Had only made his France debut eight months ago and confessed to crying when he was named in the World Cup squad. Looked a bit vulnerable against Belgium’s Eden Hazard, but has produced lively displays going forward. Made a name for himself with his stunning equalizer against Argentina.

Samuel Umtiti, center back, 24 caps, 3 goals

Got off to a bad start in giving away a penalty for handball against Australia but overall has continued to show his outstanding ability and calm on the ball in Russia which made him stand out at Euro 2016. He has also added power to the team from set pieces, out-jumping the towering Marouane Fellaini to head in the only goal against Belgium.

Raphael Varane, center back, 48 caps, 3 goals

Arrived in Russia with a fourth Champions League winners’ medal in his pocket and has barely put a foot wrong all tournament. Broke the deadlock against Uruguay with a crashing header then put his body on the line to protect their lead. Was also outstanding against Belgium.

Lucas Hernandez, left back, 11 caps, 0 goals

There were suggestions the Atletico Madrid defender could switch nationalities to Spain but he finally made his full debut in March. Has been a mainstay in Russia, shuttling up and down the left flank with confidence as well as caution that comes with growing up playing in central defense.

N’Golo Kante, midfield, 30 caps, 1 goals

Short, understated and tireless, Kante’s remarkable capacity for closing down the opposition and hoovering up passes saw Paul Pogba claim that he has 15 lungs after France’s opening win over Australia. He has not looked back since, providing a vital screen for the defense and relieving his fellow midfielders of defensive duties.

Paul Pogba, midfield, 59 caps, 9 goals

Made a slow start to the tournament, perhaps stunted by a patchy season with Manchester United, but has grown along with his team and produced commanding displays in each of France’s knockout games, none more so than against Belgium.

Blaise Mathuidi, midfield, 71 caps, 9 goals

One of France’s most experienced players and playing at his fourth major tournament, he had to deal with being benched for the opening game but won his place back at the expense of Corentin Tolisso with assured play on the left of midfield.

Kylian Mbappe, forward, 21 caps, 7 goals

Faced criticism for his early displays but came into his own in the thrilling last 16 game with Argentina with some unstoppable bursts forward and two goals, drawing comparisons with Pele for being the first teenager to net twice in a World Cup knockout game since the Brazilian. His pace, power and composure make him France’s most deadly weapon.

Antoine Griezmann, forward, 60 caps, 23 goals

France’s talisman and the top scorer at Euro 2016 has not had a whirlwind tournament although he has delivered when it has mattered, creating the first goal against Uruguay and scoring the second and providing another belting set-piece delivery for Samuel Umtiti’s winner against Belgium.

Olivier Giroud, forward, 80 caps, 31 goals

His continued inclusion in the team divides opinion in France, and he has not managed to score despite starting five games in the World Cup. The team, however, clearly benefit elsewhere on the pitch for his power and hold up play.