France Vs Croatia

The 2018 World Cup final rematch between Croatia and France has taken an intriguing turn as Croatia secured a commanding 2-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash on Thursday evening. This result has set the stage for a high-stakes second leg at the Stade de France on Sunday, where Croatia will aim to complete their mission of avenging their World Cup defeat six years ago. France, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit and keep their Nations League hopes alive. The first leg not only highlighted Croatia’s tactical prowess but also exposed France’s vulnerabilities, as Didier Deschamps’ side looked far from the team that lifted the World Cup trophy in Russia. 

The opening quarter-final encounter was a tale of two wingers at contrasting stages of their careers. On one side was Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid superstar who is entering the peak years of his career, and on the other was Ivan Perišić, the 36-year-old Croatian veteran who continues to defy age with his performances. While Mbappé struggled to make an impact, Perišić stole the show with a masterful display. The experienced winger provided a precise cross for Ante Budimir to head home the opening goal and then capped off his performance with a stunning half-volley just before halftime, doubling Croatia’s lead. Perišić’s contributions were a testament to his enduring quality and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

France’s struggles were evident from the start, and they were fortunate not to find themselves three goals down early in the match. Just eight minutes into the game, Andrej Kramarić had the chance to extend Croatia’s lead from the penalty spot, but his tame effort was saved by Mike Maignan. Despite this reprieve, France failed to capitalize on the opportunity to get back into the game, and their performance raised questions about their ability to mount a comeback in the second leg. The defeat marked the end of a five-game unbeaten run for Les Bleus and was only their second loss in their last 12 Nations League matches played outside of France. 

For Croatia, the victory was a significant step toward reaching the Nations League final four, where they would face either Spain or the Netherlands in June. The win also extended their impressive home record in the competition, as they remain unbeaten in their last six Nations League matches on home soil. However, their away form has been less convincing, and this could pose a challenge as they prepare to face a determined French side in Paris. Croatia failed to win any of their three away games during the 2024-25 Nations League group stage, and their defensive resilience will be tested once again at the Stade de France. 

France’s recent record in the Nations League has been a mixed bag, particularly on home soil. While they were unbeaten in their first five home matches in the competition, winning four of them, their form has dipped significantly in recent years. Les Bleus have managed just two wins in their last six Nations League games at home, a statistic that will concern Didier Deschamps as he prepares his team for the second leg. The French manager, who will step down after the 2026 World Cup, will be eager to end his tenure on a high note, but his team’s performance in the first leg suggests they have a lot of work to do. 

Croatia’s success in the first leg was a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to execute their game plan under pressure. Zlatko Dalić’s side came into the match on the back of a three-game winless run in the Nations League, having taken just two points from their matches against Portugal, Scotland, and Poland in late 2024. However, they rose to the occasion against France, showcasing the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of their play in recent years. The victory also highlighted the depth of talent in the Croatian squad, with players like Perišić and Budimir stepping up to deliver crucial contributions. 

As France conducted their post-match analysis, Croatia celebrated a well-deserved victory that put them in a strong position to advance to the final four. The second leg promises to be a fascinating contest, with France needing to overturn a two-goal deficit and Croatia aiming to hold onto their advantage. The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Croatia’s recent record against France has been impressive, with back-to-back victories following a run of nine winless encounters. Their most recent trip to French soil ended in a 1-0 victory during the 2022-23 Nations League, thanks to a Luka Modrić penalty. This result will give Croatia confidence as they prepare for Sunday’s clash, but they will be well aware of the threat posed by a French side desperate to keep their Nations League campaign alive. 

The first leg also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams’ key players. While Perišić shone for Croatia, Mbappé struggled to make an impact for France. The Real Madrid forward, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, was largely kept quiet by Croatia’s defense, and his inability to influence the game was a major factor in France’s defeat. Mbappé will need to deliver a much-improved performance in the second leg if France are to have any chance of turning the tie around. 

For Croatia, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity and capitalizing on any opportunities that come their way. Dominik Livaković, Croatia’s number one goalkeeper, was kept busy in the first leg and will likely face another stern test in the second leg. The Chequered Ones will also look to their experienced players, such as Luka Modrić and Marcelo Brozović, to provide leadership and composure in what is sure to be a high-pressure environment. 

The stakes could not be higher for both teams as they prepare for the second leg. For Croatia, a place in the Nations League final four would be a significant achievement and a chance to add another chapter to their recent success story. For France, the match represents an opportunity to salvage their campaign and prove that they remain one of the top teams in international football. The outcome of the tie will have far-reaching implications for both teams, and the stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France. 

In conclusion, the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Croatia and France was a masterclass in tactical execution from Croatia, who took a giant step toward avenging their 2018 World Cup final defeat. France, meanwhile, face a daunting task as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit and keep their Nations League hopes alive. The second leg promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams having everything to play for. Croatia will aim to build on their first-leg success and secure their place in the final four, while France will be determined to rediscover their form and mount a comeback. As the two teams prepare to face off once again, the football world will be watching closely to see which side emerges victorious in this high-stakes showdown.