Zlatko Dalic’s men secured a commanding 2-0 win in the first leg.
Croatia will look to take their leap towards the Nations League top-four battle on Sunday. They will travel to France for their UEFA Nations League quarter-final second-leg match at the Stade de France looking to confirm their place in the semis. Zlatko Dalic’s men secured a commanding 2-0 win in the first leg, leaving Les Bleus with an uphill battle to fight.
The opening leg saw a standout performance from 36-year-old Ivan Perisic. He not only assisted Ante Budimir’s opener but also scored a stunning volley just before halftime struck. On the other side of the field, Kylian Mbappe struggled to make an impact. As a result, France lacked their usual attacking sharpness.
The Croatian Andrej Kramaric missed a penalty which spared the French from an even bigger defeat. Didier Deschamps’ squad now face a tough task at home. They’ve won only two of their last six Nations League home matches. However, Croatia’s away form has been poor as well. They’ve also failed to win any of their three away games in this Nations League group stage.
France Injury News
Ibrahima Konate had a forgettable outing in the first leg. He conceded the penalty through a bizarre handball. Croatia missed the penalty but Konaye was substituted at halftime. Initially France’s reports said it was due to an injury, but the coach later clarified that he made a tactical decision. Hence, Konate is available to play, but the coach could choose Dayot Upamecano to start in his place.
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Ousmane Dembele didn’t have any impact but displayed an energetic performance. This may earn him another start in a central attacking role. However, either Michael Olise or Bradley Barcola could also be handed an opportunity. In midfield, Adrien Rabiot remains a doubt due to a calf issue, with Eduardo Camavinga likely to partner Aurelien Tchouameni in the engine room.
France probable starting lineup:
Maignan; T. Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Barcola, Dembele, Olise; Mbappe
Croatia Injury News
Fortunately for Croatia, they emerged from the first leg without any new injuries. They already were dealing with Luka Sucic’s injury which happened before the match. The coach has an otherwise fully-fit squad. With a chance for a spot in the semi-finals to lose for them, Dalic may opt for a more defensive setup in the second leg.
Borna Sosa could play in a wing-back role. This means might see the coach drop Martin Baturina. Even with these few tactical changes, Croatia’s midfield has to remain anchored by the experienced duo Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. They will dictate play as always and look to keep France at bay.
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Croatia probable starting lineup:
Livakovic; Gvardiol, Sutalo, Caleta-Car; Sosa, Kovacic, Modric, Stanisic; Kramaric, Perisic; Budimir
France vs Croatia Nations League Quarterfinals Betting Odds:
Odds via BetMGM.
TeamsMoneylineTotal GoalsFranceWin: -275
Draw: +360Over 2.5: -145
Under 2.5: +105CroatiaWin: +625
Draw: +360Over 3.5: +165
Under 3.5: -250