Croatia vs France: UEFA Nations League QF First Leg Preview
Croatia will host France at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Thursday night in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie. Both teams will look to get a good result in this big game.
Croatia finished second in League A Group 1 behind Portugal. Zlatko Dalic’s side had a mixed group-stage campaign, won just one of six matches, and did not win in their last three. But they made it this far and will try to use home advantage to get an edge over France.
France topped League A Group 2 after finishing level on points with Italy but ahead due to a better head-to-head. Didier Deschamps’ team is in good form, 3-1 win over Italy in their final group-stage match. Les Bleus will be confident for this tie as they want to keep the momentum.
Team News & Tactics
Croatia
Zlatko Dalic has several players out, Luka Sucic, Lovro Majer, Igor Matanovic are injured. Bruno Petkovic recovered from a long-term hip problem but wasn’t called up for this break. Petar Sucic is back after suspension.
Croatia will play in a 4-3-3. Dominik Livakovic will start in goal, Josip Juranovic and Josko Gvardiol as full-backs. Duje Caleta-Car and Josip Sutalo as central defenders. Luka Modric will anchor the midfield with Mateo Kovacic and Petar Sucic. Ivan Perisic and Martin Baturina will provide width, Andrej Kramaric will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic, Petar Sucic; Perisic, Kramaric, Baturina.
France
Kylian Mbappe is back after two breaks. Marcus Thuram is injured and Didier Deschamps didn’t call up a replacement.
France will play in a 4-2-3-1. Mike Maignan will start in goal, Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez as full-backs. Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba as central defenders. Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot will play in midfield for defensive stability and control. Michael Olise as attacking midfielder, Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe on the wings. Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Mbappe; Kolo Muani.
Stats
- Croatia have only won once in the last 10 against France.
- France have won their last 3 away games in all competitions.
- Croatia have lost only once in their last 7 home games.
- Didier Deschamps has 105 wins in 165 games as France coach (63.64%).
- Zlatko Dalic’s team last beat France in March 2022.
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe returns to international action after missing the last 2 breaks and is in top form for Real Madrid this season with 30 goals in 43 games. As captain of Les Bleus, Mbappe will want to make an impact in this big game. His pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing make him a threat to Croatia’s defence.
Croatia vs France Prediction
Croatia’s home advantage at Stadion Poljud gives them hope of a positive result but France’s quality and form make them favourites for this one. Expect a tight game with Les Bleus winning.
Croatia 1-3 France
Croatia vs France Live Stream
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