France were unable to overcome a well-placed Croatia and lost 2-0 at the Stadion Poljud in Split, complicating their progress in the UEFA Nations League. The team coached by Zlatko Dalic showed more order, precision and ambition, taking advantage of a bad first half of the French to make the difference. With goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic, the Croatians took the lead ahead of the return leg in Paris, where Didier Deschamps' side will be forced to react if they want to stay in the fight for the title.
A Disastrous First Half for France
From the start, Croatia showed more intensity and clarity in their play. After five minutes, they had an unbeatable opportunity to open the scoring with a penalty after a handball by Ibrahima Konaté in the area. Andrej Kramaric took the responsibility, but his execution was poor and Mike Maignan managed to stop the shot with his feet, keeping the tie momentarily.
The French team, far from reacting, continued to show doubts in defense and a lack of ideas in attack. While Luka Modric dominated the midfield with his experience and precision in passing, the French looked disorganized and without connection between their lines. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé tried to generate danger with individual plays, but they met a well-positioned Croatian defense.
The home side's dominance resulted in the first goal on the half-hour mark. Ivan Perisic sent in a precise cross from the left flank, which Budimir headed powerfully. Maignan managed to get a touch on the ball, but the rebound was in his favor and ended up in the net. France were stunned at 1-0, and just a few minutes later, Perisic extended the lead with a powerful shot from outside the box, surprising the French defense and making the score 2-0 before halftime.
No Reaction in the Complement
Didier Deschamps tried to adjust the team in the second half, making changes in defense to reinforce the back line. However, the reaction was slow in coming. The first 15 minutes of the second half were a repeat of the first half, with Croatia controlling the pace of the match and France unable to break through the home side's defensive wall.
Dembélé had two clear chances to score, but both shots went wide. Mbappé also tried to surprise from outside the box, but without the necessary precision to beat Dominik Livakovic, who was safe in every intervention. The clearest chance came in the 70th minute when Aurélien Tchouaméni shot at the near post, but the Croatian goalkeeper reacted with a spectacular save to keep a clean sheet.
The entry of Bradley Barcola and Eduardo Camavinga gave more freshness to the French attack, but the team still could not find the formula to overcome the Croatian defensive wall. The minutes passed and the offensive disorder of the French allowed Croatia to control the match without suffering too much in the final stretch.
Modric and Budimir, Keys to Croatian Victory
If there was one player who made the difference in the match, it was Luka Modric. The Croatian captain managed the tempo masterfully, completing 87% of his passes and winning most of his duels in midfield. His experience and leadership were fundamental for Croatia to impose its style of play and maintain the lead without any major problems.
Another outstanding name was Budimir, who in addition to opening the scoring, was a nightmare for the French defense with his mobility and presence in the area. The Osasuna striker showed his ability to play out from the back and generate danger with every ball he received.
In defense, Livakovic also played a crucial role. His six saves prevented any attempt at a French comeback, securing a result that leaves his team with an important advantage for the return leg.
The #MLB Spring Training is lived intensely with Betcris! ⚾
Take advantage of the odds for #RepBX vs. #RedSox and other exciting games in the best league in the world and put together your parlay ➡ https://t.co/dLqlVyUT5v pic.twitter.com/U7Ae0BqES3
- Betcris (@Betcris) March 18, 2025
France, Forced to Bounce Back in Paris
With this defeat, France is in a complicated situation ahead of the second leg at the Stade de France. Deschamps will have to make important adjustments if he wants his team to turn the tie around and stay in the Nations League. The lack of defensive mistakes and defensive errors were evident, so they will need to improve in both aspects to have a chance.
The challenge will be great, but not impossible. With the support of their fans and a motivated Mbappé, the French will be looking to turn the series around and avoid a premature elimination. Croatia, for its part, arrives with confidence and with the advantage of knowing that a goal in Paris would complicate things even more for its rival.
On Sunday, everything will be defined in Paris, in a match that promises excitement and where France will have to prove if they are really up to expectations or if Croatia will surprise again and seal their qualification to the semifinals.
