Croatia vs France: Preview, predictions and lineups

Thursday will offer a repeat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final when Croatia take on France in the first leg of their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League quarter-final.

Neither side has been in action since the previous international break all the way back in November, where both secured progression to the last eight of the fourth Nations League campaign. France will be searching for a second crown this year having triumphed in 2021.

Les Bleus reached the quarter-finals after topping their group ahead of Italy, Belgium and Israel, with long-serving head coach Didier Deschamps still trying to recover from a largely underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign last summer.

Croatia squeezed into the last eight ahead of Scotland and were no match for group winners Portugal. Zlatko Dalic will be aiming to pull off an upset during the first leg, providing an advantage to protect during the second leg in France on Sunday.

Here is 90min’s guide to the clash.

Croatia vs France head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Croatia continue to rely on their established cast of veterans, with Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric among those who have been called up. All four could start against France.

Luka Sucic was named in the squad for March but it’s been confirmed that the Real Sociedad midfielder will miss both legs with a knee injury.

Dalic has named two debutants for this month’s squad, with Union Saint-Gillose’s Franjo Ivanovic and Rijeka’s Toni Fruk both earning their first call-ups.

Croatia predicted lineup vs France (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Juranovic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Baturina, Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric.

Having been a surprise omission from the last two France squads, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe returns to the national team set-up. He has been in encouraging form since the turn of the year and will be aiming to shine on his comeback.

Unfortunately for Deschamps, he’s without Inter forward Marcus Thuram. The striker was selected but has withdrawn due to an ankle injury, with no replacement chosen.

There are not too many shocks elsewhere, with only three Premier League players travelling. All are defenders, with Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba and Lucas Digne chosen by Deschamps.

France predicted lineup vs Croatia (4-2-3-1): manig; In the executive, Apamecanic, t. The Esterindez; Ochouuram, Rabittt; Dembele, Olise, mbapepe; The bones are the bone.

Croatia are no longer the force they once were despite still boasting the capacity to spring a surprise and their group stage tally of just eight points suggests that France should earn an important victory ahead of the return leg.

Les Bleus have a myriad of options across the field and the forwards at their disposal are simply frightening. They have won four of their last five and should continue their impressive form in Split.

Prediction: Croatia 1-2 France

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