CROATIA - FRANCE 0:1 (0:1)
UEFA Nations League, Group A1.
Stade de France, St Denis.
Referee: O. Grinfeld (Israel).
Goals: 0:1 - Modrić (5’ - 11m).
Cautions: Guendouzi, Pavard, Rabiot, Brozović.
FRANCE: Maignan, Digne, Kimpembe, Konaté, Koundé (46’ Pavard), Nkunku (72’ Coman), Guendouzi (80’ Griezmann), Kamara (46’ Tchouaméni), Rabiot, Mbappé, Benzema. Head coach: D. Deschamps.
CROATIA: Ivušić, Stanišić, Erlić, Šutalo, Juranović, Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić (90’ Sučić), Pašalić (65’ Majer), Budimir (72’ Kramarić), Brekalo (72’ Vlašić). Head coach: Z. Dalić.
On Croatian Football Federation 110th birthday, Croatia put in another great performance, in a year which will culminate by the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Just three minutes into the game, Konate fouled Budimir in the box, and Croatia captain Modrić did not make a mistake, althought French goalie Maignan came close to saving the penalty. This early goal set the circumstances which favoured Croatia, including a constant cheering from loud Croatian fans in the stands.
France did take the initiative afterwards, put some pressure on Croatia's defence, but Ivušić was forced to make just two crucial saves - including the Šutalo's touch towards his own goal in the dying seconds.
Organized and responsible Croatia did not lose focus, especially in defence, and even managed to control the possession on occasions, and threatened through Budimir, Majer, and Vlašić. Eventually, Croatia celebrated a major victory to secure a promising situation in the Nations League.
In the other fourth matchday game, Denmark beat Austria 2:0. In September, Croatia hosts Denmark and then visits Austria.
UEFA Nations League, Group A1:
1. Denmark 9
2. Croatia 7
3. Austrija 4
4. France 2
