The man who is set to officiate the most important game in four years is Argentine Nestor Pitana. Curiously, he becomes just the second referee in World Cup history to work in both the opening game and the final of the tournament after his compatriot Horacio Elizondo in 2006 in Germany. All in all, it is going to be his fifth match in Russia. The previous ones were:

Russia vs. Saudi Arabia (group stage, 5-0)

Mexico vs. Sweden (group stage, 0-3)

Croatia vs. Denmark (1/16, 1-1, penalty shootout)

Uruguay vs. France (1/4, 0-2)

Thus, the Argentine is familiar with both Croatia and France players this tournament.

The referee is a former actor who celebrated his 43rd birthday on June 17. It is not his first World Cup as he served four games in Brazil four years ago.

Here is what Pitana told FIFA following his appointment:

"Very rarely have I experienced anything comparable in my life. That feeling, that excitement. Maybe I could compare it with the moment when I was told that I was going to be a father. In terms of the sacrifice, the responsibility that it involves. For any kid who loves football, the dream is to get to the World Cup Final. This team have worked so hard to get where we are, we’ve managed one of the greatest achievements in the world of refereeing. And now we want to finish the job, in the best way possible".