As the excitement builds for the much-anticipated quarterfinal match in the UEFA Nations League, Croatia and France prepare to meet once again, a rematch that holds significant weight for both teams. Scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 22:45 Moscow time, the match is set to occur at the Poljud Stadium in Split. This encounter marks yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between two of Europe’s footballing giants, each with its own aspirations for glory.
The stakes are high for Croatia, who secured their place in the playoffs by finishing second in a fiercely contested group that featured Portugal, Poland, and Scotland. Despite a somewhat shaky performance—they won only two out of six matches, while suffering two losses and two draws—the Croatian team managed to scrape through to the knockout stage, ending the group phase with an equal goal difference of eight for and eight against. While they have struggled to maintain consistency, the team remains formidable, especially on home turf, where they have not lost in their last eight matches.
Head coach Zlatko Dalić will lean on the experience of his seasoned players, like Luka Modrić, who at 38 still shows remarkable resilience and skill. Modrić has been central to Croatia's efforts as they navigate through this transitional phase of their squad, bolstered by emerging talents. However, Croatia enters this quarterfinal having gone three matches without a win, which raises concerns about their form against the high-caliber French side.
On the other side of the pitch stands France, a team that has recently shown spectacular form. Before their last meeting, the French team triumphed over Italy with a convincing 3:1 victory that helped establish them as a dominant force in their group, finishing at the top with 13 points from six matches. They achieved four wins, suffered only one loss, and had one draw, boasting a goal difference of 12 to 6. Under the guidance of head coach Didier Deschamps, the French squad is as accomplished as ever, filled with explosive talents such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The young forwards have been impressive, consistently providing goals and playmaking, making France the favorites in this matchup.
The historical context adds further flavor to this encounter. Over the past seven years, Croatia and France have clashed five times. Most notably, they faced off in the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where France emerged victorious with a score of 4:2. However, Croatia has tasted success as well, having defeated France in their last meeting during the Nations League in 2022, winning 1:0 away from home after a 1:1 draw in Zagreb, which illustrates the balance in their competitive relationship.
Betting odds reflect the expectations surrounding this clash. While bookmakers give Croatia odds of 3.80 for a win, odds for a French victory sit at 2.10, illustrating their status as favorites. The draw is considered a less likely outcome at 3.40. Interestingly, the likelihood of both teams scoring is also a point of interest for bettors, with a low under 2.5 goals option priced at 1.85. This suggests confidence in a high-scoring encounter, especially given that both teams have consistently found the back of the net in recent matches.
Notably, Croatia's recent performance has seen both teams scoring in almost all matches, with their last five encounters featuring exchanges of goals, and only a single match not resulting in goals from both sides. The Croatian offense, although inconsistent, has experience and tactical awareness. Yet, they will need to step up against a well-oiled French machine, known for its ability to capitalize on the slightest error made by opponents.
As they prepare for this decisive battle, both managers will formulate strategies that hinge on utilizing their strongest assets—Dalić with his veteran players and Deschamps leaning on his young stars. Expectations are high for an intense match filled with skillful plays, strategic depth, and perhaps a few surprises on the field. All eyes will be on Split, where history may repeat itself or take an unexpected turn.
Ultimately, the match on March 20 will not only advance the victor toward the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League but also invigorate the rivalry that continues to captivate fans worldwide. It symbolizes a test of mettle for Croatia, seeking to reestablish themselves among Europe’s elite, against a French squad eager to continue their quest for silverware.
With the backdrop of the stadium and the stakes involved, this match promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga between these two footballing nations. Football enthusiasts will be waiting eagerly to see who triumphs when the whistle blows.
