Croatia showcased their football prowess with a decisive 2-0 victory over France in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals on March 20, 2025, at the Stadion Poljud in Split. This match highlighted the stark contrast in team performances, with Croatia delivering a tactical exhibition while France struggled to make their mark.
In this encounter, Ante Budimir opened the scoring for Croatia, followed shortly by a spectacular volley from Ivan Perisic just before half-time. France, despite fielding a formidable lineup that included stars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, failed to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving them in a precarious position ahead of the return leg.
The match began on a tense note when French defender Ibrahima Konaté committed a foul in the box, leading to an early penalty for Croatia. However, Andrej Kramaric saw his shot brilliantly saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, keeping the score at 0-0. This miss proved to be a turning point, as Croatia quickly shifted gears and began to assert dominance over the game.
It was Budimir who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, nodding in a header from a well-placed cross by Perisic. The ball appeared to glance off Maignan in an awkward way before crossing the goal line, further compounding France’s woes. As the match wore on, Croatia's confidence grew, while France struggled to find their rhythm.
Just moments before half-time, Perisic doubled Croatia's lead with a stunning volley from outside the box. His sharp reaction to a rebound, after a blocked effort from William Saliba, sent the crowd into ecstasy as the home side took a 2-0 lead into the break. France appeared shell-shocked, having failed to convert their chances while committing defensive errors.
During the second half, Deschamps made tactical changes, substituting Upamecano for Konaté to shore up the defense. France began to show signs of life as they pressed for a comeback. Dembélé, in particular, was lively but struggled to link up effectively with Mbappé, leading to frustration in the French camp. Both players uncharacteristically missed clear opportunities, with Livaković making crucial saves to deny them.
Notably, the 2025's top scorer, Dembélé, generated several chances, including a close attempt that he directed just wide. Despite efforts and a more aggressive approach in the second half, France could not find the back of the net.
The outcome places France in a challenging situation as they prepare for the return leg set for Sunday in Saint-Denis. Currently needing to overcome a two-goal deficit, the team must exhibit a marked improvement in performance to advance.
Mbappé's return to the national team after an eight-month absence added anticipation to the match; however, as the final whistle blew, it was evident his presence could not tilt the match in favor of France. Having previously not scored in his return, the French captain exited the pitch visibly disappointed, stripping off his armband as his teammates attempted to regroup in a show of camaraderie.
In contrast, Croatia's players celebrated their hard-fought victory, with veteran Luka Modric at the helm, showcasing leadership and skill throughout the game. The triumph not only boosts Croatia’s morale but also places immediate pressure on a French side that has historically dominated encounters with Croatia; prior to this, they had won six out of ten official matches against the Croatians.
This victory marks only the second time in their last twelve Nations League matches that France has fallen to defeat away from home, as they aim to rally at home. With the stakes high in this prestigious tournament, both teams will refine their strategies as they seek a spot in the semi-finals.
The stage is set for what could potentially be an electrifying return match, as both nations clash once more in their bid for glory in the UEFA Nations League. Tickets are expected to be in high demand as fans hope to witness a resurgence from a former World Cup champion or another stunning display from the determined Croatian side.
