It’s a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final as France host Croatia for the second fixture of their UEFA Nations League campaign.
France and Croatia head to the Stade de France in need of victory for different reasons, each determined to claim all three points in Paris.
The hosts are out to make it back-to-back wins in Group A3 following their opening day 1-0 win over Sweden. Croatia, on the other hand, need a strong result after a 4-1 defeat to Portugal left them rock bottom.
France Form & Team News
A Kylian Mbappe goal was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over Sweden last weekend. The team’s overall performance, however, seemed rather subdued in Stockholm, with stars like Antoine Griezmann having a tough game.
The Barcelona forward also missed a penalty for the third time in succession for France. His dismal form may prompt Didier Deschamps to start an in-form Anthony Martial in his place on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, France could deliver a better display time around on home soil. Deschamps’ men are determined to take all three points against Croatia, aware that only the top spot in Group A3 is enough to qualify for the knockouts. They found this out the hard way in 2018/19 by finishing second to the Netherlands on an inferior goal difference to exit the competition.
The world champions have been in fine form over the past year, though. They’re unbeaten in eight games, winning seven and averaging over two goals-per-match, and are one of the favorites to win the Nations League.
Most importantly, France haven’t tasted defeat in their last 18 home matches with 15 wins and three draws.
Mbappe, meanwhile, is out for France after testing positive for coronavirus. He has left the team camp and entered self-isolation.
While Adrien Rabiot may start alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield once more as Paul Pogba and Tanguy Ndombele remain unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19 themselves.
Croatia Form & Team News
Bruno Petkovic may have been on target, but Croatia’s 4-1 thrashing to Portugal last weekend was a far from ideal start to their Nations League campaign. Thus, the pressure to deliver in Paris will be on.
The Vatreni will also be keen to get one over France after losing the 2018 World Cup final to their foes by 4-2 in Moscow, denying them a first major triumph.
Croatia were in excellent form before international football was postponed last year, winning four of their last six games without defeat to secure qualification for Euro 2020.
Although Zlatko Dalic’s side will again be without influential pair Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Therefore, Marcelo Brozovic is likely to partner Mateo Kovacic in midfield. While Ivan Perisic hopes to return to the starting line-up for the France match.
Match Facts
Head-To-Head Record
| Date | Match | Score | Competition |
| 13/11/1999 | France vs Croatia | 3-0 | Friendly |
| 28/05/2000 | Croatia vs France | 0-2 | Friendly |
| 17/06/2004 | Croatia vs France | 2-2 | Euro 2004 |
| 29/03/2011 | France vs Croatia | 0-0 | Friendly |
| 15/07/2018 | France vs Croatia | 4-2 | World Cup |
Betting Prediction
Croatia are missing key players and clearly suffered in their absence against Portugal. Therefore, France winning Tuesday’s encounter seems possible with Bet365 on Oddschecker pricing a home win at 3/4. It’s doesn’t hurt they’ve never lost to their opponents either.
A draw is priced at 16/5 on VBET and an away win for Croatia is available at 6/1 on Betfair and Betfred.
While 88Sport and Unibet’s price of 5/6 for Under 2.5 goals on Oddschecker, meanwhile, seems a safe bet. But if you fancy something a little more daring, placing an Asian handicap of -0.75 on France with Bet365 at 41/40 on Oddschecker may be worth a try.
All odds correct at the time of writing and susceptible to change.
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