Croatia vs France

The UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash between Croatia and France at Stadion Poljud in Split on Thursday night promises to be a thrilling encounter, as it reignites memories of the 2018 World Cup final. This match marks the first leg of a two-legged tie, with the winners advancing to face either the Netherlands or Spain in the semi-finals scheduled for June. Both teams bring rich histories, recent form, and a wealth of talent to the table, setting the stage for a captivating contest.

Croatia, under the guidance of head coach Zlatko Dalic, enters this match with a mix of resilience and determination. Despite a disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2024 last summer, the team managed to secure eight points from six matches (W2 D2 L2) in the second half of the year, finishing second in League A Group 1 of the Nations League. Their journey was not without struggles, as they failed to win any of their final three matches (D2 L1), including a narrow 1-0 loss to Scotland and draws against Poland (3-3) and group winners Portugal (1-1). Nevertheless, their efforts were enough to secure a spot in the knockout rounds, showcasing their ability to grind out results even when not at their best.

Ranked 13th in the world by FIFA, Croatia has consistently punched above its weight on the international stage. The team narrowly missed out on Nations League glory in 2023, losing 5-4 on penalties to Spain in the final after a tense goalless draw that extended to 120 minutes. This near-miss has only fueled their desire to go one step further this time around. As they prepare to face France, Croatia will look to capitalize on their home advantage. Their recent record at home is impressive, having lost only one of their last seven games in front of their own fans across all competitions. During this period, they kept five clean sheets and conceded just two goals, highlighting their defensive solidity and ability to perform under pressure.

However, Croatia’s historical record against France is less encouraging. The Checkered Ones have managed just one victory in their last 10 meetings with Les Bleus, although that win came in their most recent encounter—a 1-0 away triumph in the Nations League in March 2022. This result will undoubtedly provide a psychological boost as they seek to replicate that success on home soil. Yet, the challenge remains daunting, as France boasts a squad brimming with world-class talent and a proven track record of performing on the biggest stages.

France, led by the experienced Didier Deschamps, arrives in Split as one of the most formidable teams in international football. Despite Spain’s recent dominance as reigning Nations League and European Championship champions, France holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked European nation and the second-highest ranked team globally, trailing only Argentina, the 2022 World Cup winners. Deschamps, who has been at the helm of Les Bleus for nearly 13 years, has overseen 165 games, winning 105 of them (a remarkable 63.64% win rate). His tenure has been marked by consistent success, including a World Cup triumph in 2018 and a Nations League title in 2021. However, the 56-year-old has confirmed that he will step down after the 2026 World Cup, adding an extra layer of motivation for his team to deliver silverware in the coming years.

France’s journey to the Nations League quarter-finals has been marked by significant improvement compared to their 2023 campaign, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. This time around, they amassed 13 points from six games (W4 D1 L1) in League A Group 2, finishing atop the group ahead of Italy due to a superior head-to-head record. This resurgence underscores their ability to learn from past setbacks and return stronger. Les Bleus are now aiming to secure their second Nations League title under Deschamps, having previously triumphed in the 2020-21 edition. Their recent form on the road has been particularly impressive, with three consecutive away victories by an aggregate score of 9-3, including wins against Belgium and Italy.

While France’s historical dominance over Croatia is well-documented, their recent encounters have been more evenly contested. In the group stage of the previous Nations League, France failed to beat Croatia (D1 L1), but they did secure a double over the Checkered Ones in the 2020 tournament, including a 2-1 away win in Zagreb. The most memorable clash between the two sides, however, remains the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, where France emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to Thursday’s match, as Croatia seeks to avenge that defeat and prove their mettle against one of the world’s elite teams.

As the two teams prepare to lock horns, several key storylines and tactical battles will shape the outcome of the match. For Croatia, the focus will be on leveraging their home advantage and defensive resilience. The likes of Luka Modric, who continues to defy age with his exceptional midfield performances, and Josko Gvardiol, a rising star in defense, will be crucial to their efforts. Modric’s ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver incisive passes could prove pivotal in breaking down France’s defense, while Gvardiol’s composure and physicality will be essential in containing France’s attacking threats.

France, on the other hand, will rely on their depth of talent and tactical flexibility. Kylian Mbappe, fresh off another stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, will be the focal point of their attack, using his blistering pace and clinical finishing to unsettle Croatia’s defense. In midfield, the presence of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga provides a blend of defensive solidity and creative flair, while the experience of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud adds leadership and goal-scoring prowess. Deschamps’ ability to adapt his tactics based on the flow of the game will also be a critical factor, as France looks to exploit any weaknesses in Croatia’s setup.

The match is also a battle of contrasting styles. Croatia’s approach is often characterized by patient build-up play, technical proficiency, and a reliance on their midfield maestros to dictate the game. France, meanwhile, combines physicality with speed and precision, often transitioning quickly from defense to attack to catch opponents off guard. This clash of philosophies promises to deliver an enthralling spectacle, with both teams possessing the quality to seize control of the tie.

Beyond the tactical and technical aspects, the psychological dimension of the match cannot be overlooked. For Croatia, this is an opportunity to prove that their recent successes, including a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and a strong showing in the Nations League, are not mere flukes but a testament to their growing stature in international football. Beating France, a team that has often been their nemesis, would serve as a statement of intent and a source of immense pride for the nation.

For France, the match represents a chance to reaffirm their status as one of the world’s best teams. Despite their recent successes, including a run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, there is a sense that they have yet to fully capitalize on their potential in the Nations League. Winning this competition would add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet and further cement Deschamps’ legacy as one of the most successful managers in French football history.

As the players take to the pitch on Thursday night, the stakes could not be higher. For Croatia, it is a chance to continue their remarkable journey and edge closer to a first-ever Nations League title. For France, it is an opportunity to build on their recent successes and lay down a marker for the challenges ahead. With so much talent, history, and pride on the line, this clash between Croatia and France is set to be a memorable chapter in the storied rivalry between these two footballing nations.