France will be determined to extend their dominance over Croatia and continue their quest for a second UEFA Nations League title.
France and Croatia are set to reignite their historic rivalry in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie, a rematch of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where Didier Deschamps’ France emerged victorious with a terrific 4-2 win in Moscow. Now, seven years later, these two nations lock horns once again, with Croatia hosting the first leg on Thursday before the return fixture in Paris on Sunday. The winner of this two-legged encounter will progress to the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or the Netherlands.
Zlatko Dalić’s Croatia have built a reputation as a resilient and battle-hardened team, often thriving in high-pressure knockout games. They narrowly missed out on Nations League glory in 2023, finishing as runners-up to Spain in the final. This time around, Luka Modrić and company will be aiming to go one step further. Modric, now 38 years old, remains the heart of the Croatian midfield and is expected to captain the side as he earns his 185th international cap.
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Meanwhile, France will be determined to extend their dominance over Croatia and continue their quest for a second UEFA Nations League title after their 2021 triumph. Deschamps’ squad remains stacked with world-class talent, and despite some injuries, they still boast one of the strongest lineups in Europe. With Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the charge, Les Bleus will look to take an early advantage before returning to Paris for the decider.
Derniers réglages avant le match de ce soir ⚙️
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 20, 2025
🇭🇷🇫🇷 20h45 sur TF1#CROFRA | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/MSgeUM1AaW
Kylian Mbappe is fully fit and available for selection, and he will feature in tonight’s match. Given his importance to the French squad, it is highly likely that he will be named in the starting XI. Mbappe’s presence in the attack adds an extra dimension to France’s offensive play, and his ability to break down defenses will be crucial. In addition, Mbappe will also captain the French side in this match. The striker is in top form after scoring 31 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid this season.
Belle action conclue par une tête plongeante de @KMbappe ! 😄⚡ pic.twitter.com/NsN09cVMYT
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) October 11, 2023
France Predicted Lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Mbappe; Kolo Muani
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