Search icon

Football

14th Jul 2018

Paul Pogba set to break 52-year record in World Cup final

Reuben Pinder

France are heavy favourites.

Paul Pogba will line up in central midfield on Sunday afternoon, when France take on Croatia. It will be France’s first World Cup final for 20 years, and Croatia’s first ever appearance on the biggest stage of them all.

And Pogba will make history if France emerge victorious with a nice nod to 52 years ago.

He will become the first Manchester United player to win the World Cup while at the club since 1966.

Over five decades ago, when England beat Germany 4-2 in the World Cup final at Wembley, the England side featured three United academy graduates. Since that historic day, no United player has lifted the trophy while playing for the club.

Pogba could – and probably will – break that record tomorrow afternoon. He has displayed his best qualities at this World Cup, despite playing in a midfield duo alongside N’Golo Kanté, dispelling the myth that he has to play ina midfield trio in order to excell.

France are heavy favourites going into the final and boast a star studded squad with several candidates to win the golden ball, but Croatia have shown incredible resilience in every knockout round to win on penalties twice before beating England in extra time.

France will have the heartbreak of losing the Euro 2016 final two years ago as an extra source of motivation, too.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10