Croatia delivered a commanding performance to secure a 2-0 victory over France in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at Stadion Poljud in Split. Goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic highlighted a match where France’s returning stars, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, struggled to make an impact.
The match began with high intensity as Croatia earned a penalty in the opening five minutes after France defender Ibrahima Konaté handled the ball in the area. However, Andrej Kramaric’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Mike Maignan, keeping the score level.
Croatia maintained their pressure and broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Maignan initially made a superb save from Budimir’s powerful header, but the ball spun back towards goal and trickled over the line, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Just before halftime, Croatia doubled their advantage. A deflected shot fell to Perisic inside the penalty area, and he showcased excellent technique with a volleyed finish into the bottom corner.
France, despite enjoying almost two-thirds of possession, found it challenging to penetrate Croatia’s disciplined defense. Dembélé had a notable chance to reduce the deficit but hit the side-netting from close range. Substitute Bradley Barcola also missed a crucial opportunity, failing to connect with the ball in front of an open goal.
Coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged his team’s subpar performance, especially in the first half, and emphasized the need to overturn the deficit in the return leg in Paris.
Croatia’s coach, Zlatko Dalic, praised his team’s compact and disciplined display but remained cautious, noting the importance of the upcoming second leg.
The second leg is scheduled for Sunday in Paris, where France will aim to overcome the two-goal deficit to keep their Nations League aspirations alive.
