Croatia delivered a stunning performance against France, securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals at Stadion Poljud in Split. The match showcased Croatia’s tactical prowess and resilience, while France struggled to capitalize on their chances, leaving them with a challenging road ahead in the return leg.

Key Takeaways

  • Croatia scored two first-half goals, with Ante Budimir and Ivan Perišić finding the net.
  • France missed an early penalty and failed to convert several scoring opportunities.
  • Kylian Mbappé made his return to the national team but could not influence the match.
  • The second leg will take place on March 23, 2025, at Stade de France.

Match Overview

The match began with high expectations, especially with Kylian Mbappé returning to the French squad after a six-month absence. Croatia was awarded a penalty in the 8th minute when Ibrahima Konaté handled the ball in the box. However, Andrej Kramarić’s penalty was saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, keeping the score level.

Despite the early setback, Croatia quickly regained their composure and began to dominate the match. Ante Budimir opened the scoring in the 26th minute, heading in a cross from Ivan Perišić. The ball deflected off Maignan before crossing the goal line, giving Croatia a crucial lead.

Just before halftime, Perišić doubled Croatia’s advantage with a stunning volley from outside the box, reacting quickly to a rebound after a blocked shot. This goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and left France trailing 2-0 at the break.

France’s Struggles

In the second half, France attempted to mount a comeback, making tactical changes to improve their performance. They controlled 63% of possession and registered six shots on target, but their finishing was lacking. Ousmane Dembélé and Mbappé both had opportunities to score but failed to convert.

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Despite their efforts, Croatia’s defense, led by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, held firm. Livaković made several crucial saves, including a late effort from Mbappé, ensuring that Croatia maintained their two-goal lead.

Looking Ahead

The victory marks a significant achievement for Croatia, who had previously struggled against France, winning only one of their last ten encounters. This win not only boosts their confidence but also puts pressure on France, who must now overcome a two-goal deficit in the return leg.

As both teams prepare for the second leg, France will need to refine their strategies and improve their finishing if they hope to advance to the semifinals. The stage is set for an exciting rematch at Stade de France, where fans will be eager to see if France can rally or if Croatia will continue their impressive run in the tournament.

Sources

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