The Secrets of Success: How France can win the World Cup final

One by one, the 2018 World Cup favourites tumbled out of the tournament early. Holders Germany were gone before the knockout stages, while 2010 winners Spain and traditional contenders Brazil followed them in the last 16 and last eight respectively. But France, despite a young team and underwhelming tactics, stayed strong.

Didier Deschamps led his team beyond a group containing Australia, Denmark and Peru without ever really getting going. His French side lacked attacking cohesion and creativity, scoring just three times on their way to seven points and top spot. Then came the second round and a mouth-watering clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina, a goal-fest that France won 4-3.