CROATIA - FRANCE 1:2 (0:1)
UEFA Nations League, Group A3.
Maksimir Stadium, Zagreb.
Referee: B. Kuipers (Netherlands)
Goals: 0:1 - Griezmann (8'), 1:1 - Vlašić (65'), 1:2 - Mbappe (79')
Cautions: Digne (5'), Vlašić (5'), Uremović (57'), Pogba (90+1'), Lovren (90+2')
Croatia: Livaković, Barišić, Vida, Lovren, Uremović, Modrić, Badelj (46' Kovačić), Perišić (78' Bradarić), Vlašić (80' Kramarić), Pašalić (46' Brekalo), Petković (61' Budimir). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
France: Lloris, Digne (83' Hernandez), Lenglet, Varane, Mendy, Rabiot (74' Pogba), Nzonzi, Tolisso (63' Camavinga), Martial (63' Coman), Griezmann (83' Giroud), Mbappe. Head coach: D. Deschamps.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Following a friendly win in Switzerland and Nations League success against Sweden, Zlatko Dalić's men hosted France - the team with a W5 D2 record against Croatia.
France took the lead just eight minutes into the game, when Griezmann powerfully turned a rebound into the opening goal.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Soon afterwards, Mbappe missed a glorious opportunity, while Lovren responded with a header, and Perišić with a free kick. Pašalić came incredibly close on the half-an-hour mark, but Lloris intervened.
In the second half, Croatia continued to seek the equalizer, and Vlašić was quick to try a long-distance shot. On 65 minutes, Modrić activated Brekalo, who makes an assist by providing the ball to Vlašić - and Croatia midfielder makes a skilled move to make it 1:1.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The hosts were actively searching the second goal, yet when Pogba came off the bench, Livaković was called to duty and saved the day. Unfortunately, on 79 minutes, Pogba's long ball to Digne was forwarded to Mbappe, who easily converts (2:1).
Croatia did not stop, but Lloris prevented Kovačić and Kramarić from scoring in the closing minutes, and France takes all three points home.
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the other Group A3 encounter, Portugal hosted Sweden and celebrated a 3:0 win. The group stage is set to be completed next month, with Croatia visiting Sweden in Solna (14 November) and hosting Portugal in Split (17 November). Moreover, Croatia will play a friendly in Turkey (11 November).
UEFA Nations League, Group A3:
1. Portugal 10 (4)
2. France 10 (4)
3. Croatia 3 (4)
4. Sweden 0 (4)
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
