Brazil's Ronaldo, who has four goals, will need a match-winning performance in today's final against France to match Geoff Hurst's hat-trick for England in the 1966 final if he wants to beat the wily Suker's tally.

Croatia won thanks to two classic counter-attacking goals against a Dutch defence whose thoughts must have still been on the semi-final penalties defeat to Brazil.

This was the little final that neither wanted to be playing, and it showed in the lack of competitive edge for most of the 90 minutes, despite six yellow cards - four to the Croatian side.

After an early opportunity by Patrick Kluivert was foiled by Drazen Ladic in goal,Croatia emerged from their shell to open the scoring with a goal on the break in the 13th minute.

Suker, playing as a lone striker, found himself in midfield feeding Robert Jarni who sped down the left, cut inside Jaap Stam and played the ball to Robert Prosinecki.

The mid-fielder, starting for the first time since being left out following the group matches, turned full circle to beat Edwin van der Sar with a low strike.

It was a stylish counter attack bettered only by a marvellous second strike in the 35th minute which gave Suker the opportunity to notch his sixth goal of the World Cup.

Prosinecki showed his speed of thought with a first-touch pass to Aljosa Asanovic. He raced through the mid-field, played the ball to Zvonimir Boban who passed it on to Suker.

The Real Madrid striker, having such a wonderful World Cup, did the rest with a left foot shot which gave Van der Sar no chance.

In between, 21-year-old Boudewijn Zenden struck a 21st-minute equaliser for the Dutch, teeing up a left-footshot which deceived Ladic.