Even Mbappe’s arrival back to the team couldn’t break Croatia’s resilience and discipline when it comes to defending. Modric might have been aging like fine wine but compatriots like Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic seem to have had the same magic juice. It was a rematch of the FIFA World Cup Final in 2018, which saw France defeat Croatia 4-2.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rematch of the FIFA World Cup Final in 2018
Croatia’s rise to the top tier of International football has been astronomical and also motivational. Their performances in the recent past are a testament of their teamwork and discipline.
Deschamps’s team is a crown with studded jewels with every position being occupied by footballing superstars and even the bench being full of them but they lacked cohesiveness unlike Croatia who were conservative in their approach but had a game plan in mind.
The first goal was scored by Budimir
The two goals for Dalic’s men were scored by Ivan Perisic and Ante Budimir in the first half itself. The first goal scored by Budimir was assisted by Perisic in the 26th minute. Budimir guided the ball home with a glancing header which was initially stopped by Mike Maignan but it trickled into the goal.
The second goal just before the half-time whistle when Perisic caught the ball sweetly on the half-volley and buried it into the goal. Maignan could only admire it as it went straight into the side netting.
‘Magic’ Mike was a standout for Les Bleus
‘Magic’ Mike was a standout for Les Bleus as he also saved a penalty from Kramaric in the 8th minute. Livakovic was also up to the task as he saved 3 shots from Kylian Mbappe alone and was immense in keeping the French strikers quiet for the night.
The 2nd leg will be played on Sunday at the Stade de France (19:45 GMT). This will be an important match as France will need to recover if they have to move forward in the tournament.
Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele who have been shining for their respective clubs, will be the pick of the players as they have to perform well in the 2nd leg for France to stay afloat.
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