This time last year, neither of the Palace duo had played for the senior national team. Now they have both featured in a World Cup Finals.
Mateta made his second appearance of the tournament in the 3-0 win over Sweden. With captain Kylian Mbappe having already struck twice, the French superstar was withdrawn for Mateta in the 84th minute.
Lacroix was an unused substitute against the Swedes, but had previously started in the final group game win over Norway.
Both hope for further involvement as the 2018 winners continue to progress, looking like one of the strongest teams in the competition so far.
"Now we think for the next game," Mateta told SportyTV. "We have to enjoy it, but also we have to keep working hard for the next day.
