Match Overview
The UEFA Nations League quarterfinal first-leg began at Stadion Poljud when Croatia hosted France on March 20, 2025. The hosts won the match 2-0 delivering a seismic moment in football history. Through their precise finishing and defensive organization and strategic approach Croatia successfully defeated a team that showcased abundant talent. The second match of their round of 16 encounter takes place at Paris Saint-Germain Stadium on March 23 where France must face a formidable two-goal deficit from the first match. The match produced intense emotional moments for spectators such as both a uninspiring French offensive with Mbappé participating and multiple opportunities for clear-cut goals but a missed penalty and just an excellent show from Croatia.
The Croatian side started strong during the initial period of the match
The Croatian team launched their match with fearless attacking spirit. The team of Croatia obtained a penalty award in the fifth minute after French defender Ibrahima Konaté reached for a cross from Borna Sosa and made a mistake. The weak approach shot taken by Andrej Kramarić fell short as Mike Maignan saved it with his legs. Undeterred, Croatia kept pushing. The aggressive French defensive approach provoked French instability during the 26th minute when Croatia finally scored. From the left side Ivan Perišić perfectly curved a pass that delivered a cross toward the penalty area. Ante Budimir made a heroic jumping effort above Dayot Upamecano to meet the cross which Maignan then had to push away. France missed their chance when the ball curved back into the goal offering Croatia a precious 1-0 lead. Thus, the hosts grabbed control.
France lost its form as the incomplete period continued. Ousmane Dembélé faced difficulties while playing a diamond-shaped midfield. He appeared powerless to find his role. During the match Luka Modrić along with Mateo Kovačić circled their opponents in midfield and maintained dominance. With moments remaining in the first half Croatia managed to score a second goal which gave them a 2-0 lead. The shot from Lovro Majer bounced off Adrien Rabiot before it reached Perišić in the penalty area for a advancing finish. The veteran did not waste any time because his low strike found the net and made it 2-0. All of a sudden Poljud fans unleashed their celebrations while France emerged from the pitch facing an immense challenge with their two-goal deficit.
Second Half: France Rally, Croatia Stand Tall
After halftime, France emerged revitalized. The French head coach Didier Deschamps made position changes by shifting Mbappé and Dembélé toward the offensive half of the field. The French team pushed Croatia to defend their half by holding the ball and looking for passing opportunities during a short period. During the 57th minute Mbappé showed amazing potential to generate a French retaliation. From the left side Mbappé made an inside run before striking the goal but Croatian goalkeeper Livaković read the effort and blocked it outside the post. Consequently, French hopes flickered.
Croatia, however, refused to crack. France’s offense lost its effectiveness when their players adopted a dense block formation to stifle advances from their opponents. Josip Stanišić and Joško Gvardiol took command of their defensive positions to eliminate each attacking move from France. Through his astute passing Modrić found opponents to break Spanish pressure. Against French pressure their attacking attempts stayed empty. The goalkeeper watched helplessly as Dembele missed a simple six-yard penalty to perfection thus prompting unpleasant jeers from the opposing supporters. The match ran out while Croatia players maintained their collected appearance. The team faced the challenges of the match and secured their unforgettable win by a score of 2-0. The difference between their superiority over their opposition was not fully represented by the final match score.
Tactical Breakdown: Croatia’s Blueprint Outwits France
Tactically, Croatia executed a masterclass. The Croatian team initiated their game with high-pressing play before transitioning to defend with patient organization in the middle of the field. The Croatian team took advantage of the slow French build-up to make successful counterattacks through Perišić and Budimir. Conversely, France floundered. By using a diamond structure among midfielders Deschamps placed Rabiot and Tchouaméni at risk of getting overpowered in the middle of the field. The defensive unit struggled to deal with aerial contests since the team allowed both goals from crosses. Croatia showcased superior team unity and tactical flexibility against France’s performance which depended on isolated outstanding play and earned them the final match advantage.
Standout Performers: Perišić and Modrić Steal the Spotlight
The best performer came forward as Perišić when he played individually. A positioned pass from Perišić combined with his precise finishing skills demonstrated his aging gracefully at the age of 36 years. The first goal scorer Budimir caused chaos among the French defensive duo and displayed his impressive ability to play aerially. Modrić demonstrated impeccable timing at his 39 years to orchestrate the tempo and Gvardiol demonstrated mature defensive organization through his composed behavior. Croatia successfully denied Mbappé from breaking their defensive barriers while the player showed occasional flashes of brilliance. Maignan made a rash save in the early minutes before his teammates Dembélé and Tchouaméni produced unimpressive performances. Veteran Croatian players secured victory by trumping the younger French players.
The players’ reactions appeared following the match as coaches provided their analysis
The two coaches stood before reporters while Dalić showed his deep satisfaction in the victory. The national team kept playing at full force following the penalty save and showed maximum determination throughout the game according to the forward. Paris will pose a challenging task even though this is a massive achievement. Meanwhile, Deschamps didn’t mince words. A poor initial performance created the problem according to the team manager. The Croatia team improved their performance during the middle half yet they acknowledged their lack of cutting-edge finish. The rapid recovery of France stands essential at the same time Croatia benefits from a winning mentality.
Full Match Statistics
- Scoreline: Croatia 2-0 France
- Goals:
- Croatia: Ante Budimir (26’), Ivan Perišić (45+1’)
- France: None
- Possession: Croatia 42.6% – France 57.4%
- Shots: Croatia 11 (5 on target) – France 14 (4 on target)
- Shots Inside Box: Croatia 7 – France 8
- Passes Completed: Croatia 342/413 (83%) – France 467/543 (86%)
- Corners: Croatia 3 – France 6
- Fouls: Croatia 12 – France 10
- The match was played with one Croatian yellow card when Kovačić received it at minute 72. France received two yellow cards where Konaté got booked at 5 minutes and Rabiot received his at minute 63.
- Red Cards: Croatia 0 – France 0
- Expected Goals (xG): Croatia 1.7 – France 1.2
- Saves: Croatia 4 – France 3
- Attendance: 33,474
Looking Ahead: Paris Showdown Looms
The second leg match at Stade de France on March 23 shows signs of ultimate excitement. Croatia currently stands in a secure position because of their two-goal advantage. The domestic fans feel motivated by their six undefeated games at home sweep in the Nations League. Team France might reclaim the game through their front players Mbappé and Dembélé while Griezmann makes a return following his absence. TheFrench will likely face off against Spain or the Netherlands after this showdown so Croatia must stay disciplined throughout the competition. A perfect showing from France stands as their only path to eliminate the deficit against their opponents. Both teams must prepare for their upcoming match against Spain or the Netherlands since reaching the semifinals requires additional determination at this point.
The game takes place within historical and performance-based contexts
The surprise victory demonstrates how Croatia tends to defeat powerful opposition. The 2023 Nations League final performance and French defeat 1-0 from 2022 match the current victory success. Croatia has defeated France two times during their recent three competitive matchups. For France, the defeat stings. The team has surrendered points in two of their previous twelve Nations League trips away from home thus demonstrating signs of weakness. Media critics evaluate the general playing methods and player choices of Deschamps the coach. As June approaches with the Final Four scheduled both teams notice rising degrees of pressure.
Fan Perspective: A Night of Joy and Frustration
The Croatian team achieved victory which brought their fans tremendous pleasure. Fans in Split joined together in the celebration of Split’s display through the loud “Vatreni” cheers that expressed both toughness and elegance in play. Conversely, French fans left deflated. Croatian players managed to keep Mbappé quiet through his return even though spectators had expected French dominance. Different commentators on social media platforms complimented Modric’s timeless abilities and made suggestions for Deschamps to change his methods. The intense contest managed to create powerful feelings throughout both participating groups.
The opening victory of Croatia guarantees an unforgettable rematch as they prepare for their return match
March 20, 2025 became a historic date in Croatian football heritage. The match result displayed Croatia’s capabilities in strategic awareness and both leadership and accurate finishing ability. France left Split at a loss after experiencing defeat due to Croatian performance that humbled their long-standing football legacy. Prior to the Paris showdown both Croatia seek their spot in the semifinal while France attempt a return to top form. On Sunday a single point continues to remain hanging by a thread. A UEFA Nations League match containing such high stakes will depend on microscopic differences in this contest.
