Croatia 2 – 0 France
Kylian Mbappé’s return to the French national team after more than six months didn’t go as planned.
Despite taking twice as many shots as their opponents and having more on target, France couldn’t find the back of the net. Croatia, however, struck twice in the first half, securing a crucial victory that keeps them ahead in the race for the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Playing at home on Thursday night, Croatia clinched a 2-0 win in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
The hero of the match was 36-year-old forward Ivan Perišić, who both scored and assisted.
The scoreline could have been even bigger. Croatia earned a penalty in the fifth minute, but Andrej Kramarić failed to convert, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan making the save with his foot.
In the 26th minute, Ante Budimir headed in a cross from Perišić to put Croatia ahead. Then, in stoppage time of the first half, Perišić doubled the lead with a thunderous strike.
France had their chances, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković denied Mbappé on multiple occasions.
France took 16 shots in total, with six on target, while Croatia managed eight shots, four of which were on target.
The second leg will take place in Paris on Sunday.
