In a high-stakes showdown, France is on the brink of elimination from the UEFA Nations League after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Croatia in the quarterfinal first leg held at Stadion Poljud on March 20, 2025. With their hopes of progressing to the next stage hanging in the balance, Les Bleus will return home to the Stade de France for the second leg of this quarterfinal tie on March 23, 2025, where they must secure a convincing victory to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Manager Didier Deschamps faces a challenging task as he contemplates alterations to his starting lineup following the disappointing performance in the first leg. The defeat marked the first time France has lost against Croatia in two consecutive matches without managing to find the back of the net, a stark contrast to their unbeaten streak against the Croatian side from 1998 until now.
In the opening match, Croatia’s Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic found the scoresheet, helping their team capitalize on their chances while Andrej Kramaric’s missed penalty proved pivotal. Looking back, France had bested Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, winning 4-2, but the recent encounters have not been as friendly to the former champions. With two consecutive losses and an urgency to respond, Deschamps recognizes the pressing need for a tactical revamp if they hope to progress.
As they prepare for the crucial matchup ahead, Deschamps has hinted at several potential changes to the squad, indicating that fatigue from their prior efforts affected the team’s performance in the latter stages of the last game. Reports suggest that Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola could form the new front line, as Deschamps looks to inject fresh energy into the squad. Additionally, Desire Doue, who has greatly impressed this season with seven goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances, may also play a crucial role from the bench to provide an offensive spark.
Recent outings have injected a dose of harsh reality into the French team’s championship ambitions. They must rely on the contributions of talented players like Mbappe, who has showcased his capabilities throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Deschamps must grapple with the potential absence of Adrien Rabiot, who is nursing a calf injury and as of now remains a doubt for the upcoming fixture. His absence would mean that Manu Kone or Eduardo Camavinga could step into the midfield role to replace Rabiot, who has been crucial to the team’s successes.
As the match approaches, there’s also anxiety surrounding Luka Modric’s fitness for Croatia. He played through illness during the first leg, raising questions about whether he will effectively feature in the second leg. It remains to be seen how coach Zlatko Dalic will approach the rematch, though he is not expected to make many changes given the confidence of his team’s recent performance.
According to reports, Croatia is considering using Nikola Vlasic for additional wing support, particularly in place of Ivan Perisic if the veteran player requires rest. Such a move might affect Croatia’s strategy but could also provide the fresh legs needed to combat a determined French side in Paris.
The French public and football fans alike are bracing for a tense encounter filled with high stakes. A two-goal victory is essential for France to either secure a berth in the semifinals or potentially force extra time. Both teams are coming to the pitch with different ambitions: Croatia seeks to establish themselves as a formidable adversary, while France aims to reclaim its stature as a football powerhouse.
The upcoming match signals more than just a second leg in a quarterfinal; it embodies the hopes of a nation desperate for another taste of international glory, and both teams are poised to turn up the heat on the field. As they prepare to embark on this crucial and decisive clash, the ambition of Les Bleus has never been clearer. There is no room for error, and the time for resilience and renewal is now.