As the French national football team, affectionately known as the 'Bleus', prepares to face Croatia in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, the excitement is palpable. Scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, the teams will clash at the Stadium Poljud in Split, Croatia, at 8:45 PM French time, with coverage beginning at 8:30 PM on TF1 and RMC Sport.
The French team arrives with a noteworthy background. Having recently triumphed against Italy, they finished at the top of their group, showcasing their strength and determination. The players are riding high on a five-match unbeaten streak, encompassing four victories and a draw, demonstrating their consistency and skill on the field. Kylian Mbappé, returning to the squad after a six-month absence, aims to make a significant impact, alongside Ousmane Dembélé, who has enjoyed an impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the match will not be without its controversies. It has been confirmed that goal-line technology will be absent for this encounter. This situation arises due to the outdated infrastructure of the Poljud stadium, dating back to 1979, making it impossible to install the necessary equipment for the technology. UEFA opted not to enforce this technology in the Nations League, citing excessive costs among the primary reasons.
"The absence of goal-line technology is unfavorable for France," remarked an expert source from L’Équipe. This issue raises concerns, especially considering France's recent history with officiating incidents in crucial matches. Last November, during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the French side experienced a setback when a legitimate goal from Kingsley Coman was ruled out in the dying moments of a 2-2 draw against Greece.
As the match approaches, the memory of that day certainly lingers within the squad, reminding players and fans alike how critical every goal can be. Reflecting on their last meeting, France faced Croatia in June 2022 during the Nations League Final Four, where they narrowly eliminated the Croatians with a 1-0 victory. Both teams know well the stakes at hand as they meet for the sixth time since the memorable 2018 World Cup final, a match that saw France lift the trophy.
In the weeks leading up to this quarter-final, the ambiance among the French players has been buoyant. The reunion of former champions, including icons like Mbappé, Luka Modric, and Ivan Perisic, adds a sense of nostalgia and rivalry. Modric and Perisic, having also starred in the 2018 final, embody a career-long resilience, which intrigues football enthusiasts around the world.
As both sides prepare their strategies, the French team seems set to leverage its historical success against Croatia, all the while navigating the decision not to rely on technology to confirm goals. In this atmosphere of tension and unpredictability, anything can happen.
The key players from both teams are expected to deliver thrilling performances. From France, fans will eagerly watch Mbappé’s every move as he seeks to cement his place as a star once again on this prestigious stage. Meanwhile, Croatia's seasoned midfielders, including Modric, are tasked with disrupting the French momentum, exemplifying the age-old fight of veterans against newcomers.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the anticipation weighs heavy on the national psyche. Football, after all, is about moments that go beyond the pitch, where legends are made captured not only through the scoreline but through collective history. Kick-off at the Poljud will signal more than just a game; it will be a pathway to lasting legacies.
In preparation for the match, viewers should note that this clash will air live on TF1 starting at 8:30 PM. Soccer fans can also catch the match via the RMC Sport website and mobile app, offering multiple ways to engage with this crucial match. The outcome is sure to add a new chapter to the burgeoning legacy of the Nations League.
Expectations are sky-high, and the climate, both on-field and off, is charged as France prepares to once again confront an adversary who knows how to bring their best. Whether this encounter results in joy or heartbreak, one thing remains certain: the passion for football endures, and moments like these are what fans live for.
