Thursday will offer a repeat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final when Croatia take on France in the first leg of their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League quarter-final.
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Neither side has been in action since the previous international break all the way back in November, where both secured progression to the last eight of the fourth Nations League campaign. France will be searching for a second crown this year having triumphed in 2021.
Croatia haven’t been in great form recently, having not won any of their last three matches. A surprising defeat to Scotland in November was followed by disappointing Nations League draws with Poland and Portugal.
France, meanwhile, have been in good form. An impressive 3-1 win against Italy last time out puts them in a strong position, and this time they are also welcoming Kylian Mbappe back. Unbeaten in their last five matches since September 2024.
Mbappe will reunite with Ousmane Dembele (PSG) in attack. Both have hit 30-plus goals this season.
Mbappe on Captaincy Struggles
The Real Madrid star admitted he mishandled his role as captain in the past. “I know people were not happy, I wasn’t doing things well.” In September, he dismissed criticism, saying he didn’t care about public opinion. Now after talking with Didier Deschamps, he admitted,“As captain, I didn’t bring people together. I accept that.”
Predicted team line-ups
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric, Pasalic; Kramaric, Budimir, Perisic
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Olise
Players to watch out for
Kylian Mbappe- The French captain will look to take his reign back with some goals and a win. Mbappe has scored 31 goals in this season at Real Madrid and has enjoyed great form as of late.
He will be looking to further take his tally of goals for the french national team and cement his name at the top in the all-time list.
Luka Modric- The evergreen Modric will grace the field once again for the Croatia National team. The ageless Croatian has enjoyed good game time this season at Real Madrid and is looking to renew his contract for another season.
Luka will provide the experience and creativity to the Croatia side who would like to get revenge for the 2018 World Cup Final loss.
When and Where To Watch
When: Thursday 20 March (20:45 CET kick-off)
Where: Stadion Poljud, Split
What: UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg
Kick-off Time: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
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