After 33 days and 64 matches the 16th World Cup reaches its climax. Desmond Lynam hosts tonight's programme which builds towards the crucial match with a special World Cup-related edition of EastEnders as well as comment and speculation on the final's possible outcome.

EastEnders in Paris
Friendships are put to the ultimate test as the big match approaches. But hopes of extra time are receding for Pat and Roy.
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Soap opera's final showdown: This Week, page 7; The experts' view: page

The World Cup Final
Desmond Lynam introduces live, uninterrupted coverage of the climax of football's centrepiece at France's new state-of-the-art stadium, the Stade de France in St Denis, on the outskirts of Paris. The kick off is at 8pm.
France 98 has been the largest, most spectacular World Cup of all, with 32 teams from five continents playing 64 matches at ten venues around France. This evening's final is expected to have a worldwide television audience of over two billion watching the battle for football's greatest prize.
From 170 original entries the competition has been whittled down to the final two sides. Which side will lift the prestigious trophy? The commentary team is led by John Motson.
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(Subtitled)
Video plus code 7.00-10.15.

World Cup Final
7.00pm BBC1/7.45pm ITV
Finals rarely produce classic games but, after disappointing encounters at the last two World Cups, we are due a decent showdown. Four years ago Brazil beat Italy on penalties after a goal-less 120 minutes and, at Italia 90, West Germany beat Argentina by a single penalty goal in a foul-tempered match.
Again, the likelihood is of a Europe v South America clash. The broadcasters will also be doing battle, with both mainstream channels and Eurosport providing live coverage. John Motson commentates on his fourth final on BBC1.