France midfielder Blaise Matuidi says his side is gearing up for the World Cup final against a Croatia squad that had been "hardened" by their three straight extra-time victories at the tournament.
Croatia beat Denmark and hosts Russia on penalties before coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-finals courtesy of Mario Mandzukic's extra-time goal.
"We wouldn't like to think about the fact that they [Croatia] couldn't finish the last three matches at the World Cup without extra time. We'll think that they aren't weakened by this, but were hardened instead," Matuidi told journalists.
The 31-year-old Juventus player added that France would look to benefit from the experience they gained after going down to Portugal 1-0 in extra time in the 2016 Euro final.
"We couldn't win in the [2016] Euro final, but I think, this experience will help us. It's a childhood dream to play in the World Cup final. We want to lay our hands on the trophy, become the world champions and we'll do our best to do it," Matuidi said.
France, who claimed their only World Cup title on home turf in 1998, will be playing in their third final in 20 years.
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