Date: March 20, 2025
Match: France vs Croatia
Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia
Kick-off: 20:45 CET (19:45 UTC)
Competition: UEFA Nations League 2025 Quarter-Finals (First Leg)
Stadion Maksimir welcomes the intense first match of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals when Croatia meets France tonight. The contest brings together two major European forces where Croatia stands firm against the artistic nature of France. Players should expect two spectacular legs as both teams engage in a tactical chess fight to advance to the semi-finals.
Team Form and Momentum
Croatia: Steady and Resolute
The national team of Croatia finished in second position of Group A1 after securing nine points from six group matches. They secured three victories and three defeats in their matches despite their high point arriving when Andrej Kramarić scored a 2-1 victory against Scotland during October. The November match between Croatia and Portugal ended as a draw of 1-1 after Croatia lost to Poland and Portugal during the previous games. The Maksimir crowd should fuel Croatia to their best performance since Zlatko Dalić leads the team.
France: Potent and Polished
France demonstrated Group A2 leadership with a total of 13 points by winning four games and drawing one and losing once. They delivered an explosive attack to beat Israel 4-1 in October using the firepower of Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. The single loss of a 3-1 defeat to Italy stands as their most painful setback yet they responded well by prevailing 2-0 against Belgium in November. The team of Didier Deschamps brings to the Euro Cup both keen determination and a well-trained fight spirit.
Tactical Preview
Croatia’s Approach
Dalić opts for a 4-3-3. The goalkeeper role belongs to Livaković while Stanišić maintains right-back defense and Sosa takes left-back coverage. Joško Gvardiol combines in defense with Martin Erlić to deliver both defensive stability and cool-headedness while protecting the backfield. The tactical core of the Croatian team consists of midfielder Luka Modrić with Marcelo Brozović and Lovro Majer and striker Josip Kramarić with Ivan Perišić and Luka Ivanušec playing as his supporting wingmen. During midfield control Croatia will execute their counterattack goal attempts against France.
France’s Strategy
Deschamps deploys a 4-2-3-1. The starting goalkeeper Maignan selects his teammates Hernández and Koundé as full-backs. The defense consists of Upamecano and Konaté as its central point. Aurélien Tchouaméni together with Eduardo Camavinga play from the midfield position which allows Marcus Thuram Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappé to support Griezmann forward in attack. The French team will maintain their elevated defensive position to succeed against Croatian attacking movements from the sides.
Players to Watch
Croatia’s Stars
Luka Modrić who is now 39 years old continues to lead the Croatian national team as its key playmaker. His strategic vision together with his passing precision has the capability to split France in two. During the match Kramarić will test Upamecano while Gvardiol must defend Mbappé effectively. The continuous movement of Brozović pushes him until exhaustion as he fights Tchouaméni for ball control.
France’s Game-Changers
Kylian Mbappé wows opponents with exceptional speed and scoring ability so Stanišić must defend him closely. Through his composed play Griezmann creates attacking opportunities by penetrating into Croatian defensive territory. Thuram pushes his physicality at Gvardiol while Camavinga uses his fast flow to strike at Modrić. The fast reaction time of Maignan serves as a protective backup system during the game.
Head-to-Head Record
Historical Encounters
The historical relationship between Croatia and France exists as a strained period between these nations. Here’s the breakdown:
- Matches Played: 7
- Croatia Wins: 0
- France Wins: 5
- Draws: 2
- Goals Scored (Croatia): 5
- Goals Scored (France): 14
- Biggest France Win: 4-2 (2018, World Cup Final)
- Biggest Croatia Result: 2-2 (2004, Euro Group Stage)
- Last Meeting: 1-1 (2022, Nations League)
France achieved victory in the 2018 World Cup final with a 4-2 score that left Croatia with a painful defeat. The Vatreni wasted seven opportunities to defeat Les Bleus due to two recent stalemates. At home, Croatia drew 2-2 in 2004, their best result against France.
Squad Updates
Croatia Team News
Croatia returns Mateo Kovačić to the lineup following his recovery from injury which expands Dalić’s midfield options. The goalkeeper selection remains between Livaković and Kotarski since the latter is making his case to be the starting keeper yet Livaković maintains dominance. The bench replacement occurs when Brekalo misses out on selection allowing Ivanušec to move to the first team. The manager has chosen Modrić to lead his team despite the fact that he did not play in the midweek match.
France Team News
Manager Deschamps makes a return of defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante to provide deeper depth in his midfield structure. William Saliba suffers a knock which forces Konaté to replace him while Mbappé and Thuram pair up as the attacking duo. Ousmane Dembélé provides France with valuable substituted energy.
Numbers That Matter
Statistical Edge
Croatia achieves 1.5 home goals in the Nations League matches and have scored in their last four games playing at home. France has scored two point three goals on average throughout competition games while letting five goals against in their six matches. The Maksimir Stadium poses a challenge to Les Bleus’ undefeated record against Croatia because the local team has achieved victory in 10 of 14 Maksimir Stadium international matches.
Coaches’ Corner
Dalić’s Take
Zlatko Dalić eyes an upset. According to him France holds the preferred position but Croatia labors exceptionally well on their home soil. The success of our team depends on stopping Mbappé while we exploit our scoring opportunities. The Croatian team depends on Modric’s remarkable skill to achieve a victory.
Deschamps’ View
Didier Deschamps respects the challenge. According to him Croatia has consistently shown determination to continue fighting. The Croatian team plans to follow their own strategic plan. According to the coach France’s numerous quality options provide the key to defeat their opponents at home.
Stakes and Context
The winner who obtains an aggregate advantage will move on to play against Italy or Germany. The right to organize the June 2025 Finals matches will be determined by the winner of this match. Croatia aims for their first Nations League victory in parallel with France which took the 2019 runner-up spot wanting to win again. Both countries need this match to validate their World Cup qualification for 2026.
Match Prediction
How It Plays Out
The Croatian team will use their home advantage at Maksimir while applying aggressive gameplay to disrupt France from the beginning. Mbappé scorches his opponents with high-speed movement to keep the French squad in a precarious position while Modrić and Kramarić deliver dangerous threats to the Croatian attack. The first half unfolds cautiously before France discloses their superior talent later in the game. This match will result in a tight victory for France even as Croatia puts up strong resistance throughout the contest.
Score Prediction: Croatia 1-2 France
Pivotal Duels
Key Matchups
Gvardiol will need to restrain Mbappé’s running speed because of his strong defensive abilities.
Expectations between the experienced Modrić and emerging Tchouaméni will decide the game’s direction. The results of midfield competition determine the outcome of the match.
In the matchup between Thuram and Erlić power meets power when Thuram conducts hold-up play which requires Erlić to demonstrate his toughness.
Closing Thoughts
Croatia starts its first leg battle between their passionate defense and French team flair. Through home advantage and Modrić’s exceptional talent the Vatreni stand strong yet Les Bleus bring comprehensive resources to the match along with skilled players. The stadium will buzz with action but France possesses the advantage which could strangle it. Both teams expect a tense contest as they prepare for an intense match in Paris.
