Croatia seized control of their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal tie with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the first leg played at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Thursday night. Ivan Perisic starred with a goal and an assist, giving the hosts a significant edge heading into Sunday’s return leg in Paris.
The match began with drama as Croatia were awarded a penalty just five minutes in, after France’s Ibrahima Konate handled the ball in the box. However, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied Andrej Kramaric from the spot, a save made all the more impressive given that a laser pen was reportedly directed at him during the attempt.
Croatia were not to be denied for long. In the 26th minute, Perisic delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Ante Budimir – enjoying a fine season with Osasuna in La Liga – met with a firm header. Although Maignan got a hand to it, the ball spun into the net, giving the home side a deserved lead.
Just before halftime, Croatia doubled their advantage. A deflected shot from Martin Baturina fell kindly to Perisic, who calmly slotted home to cap a brilliant first-half performance.
Despite France making tactical changes at the break – including substituting Konate with Dayot Upamecano and bringing on Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise – they failed to break through a disciplined Croatian defense led by veteran Luka Modric.
Kylian Mbappe, making his return to the national side after missing the previous two international windows, had a chance in the second half. A deflected effort from an Ousmane Dembele cutback forced Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into a fine save. However, Mbappe’s goal drought for France continued, having not scored since converting a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Poland at Euro 2024.
France, the 2021 Nations League champions, now face a tough challenge to overturn the two-goal deficit at the Stade de France on Sunday. A failure to do so would see Croatia, who lost to France in the 2018 World Cup final and suffered a penalty shootout defeat in Euro 2024, earn a measure of revenge and progress to the competition’s final four.
For now, Croatia celebrates a historic win in Split, while France must regroup quickly or risk elimination.
