Croatia secured a surprise 2-0 victory over France in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final in Split, dealing a blow to Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching the final four. Kylian Mbappé’s return to the French national team after a six-month absence ended in disappointment.
The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute in fortunate circumstances. Ante Budimir’s header bounced off France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and spun into the net.
Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic doubled Croatia’s advantage in first-half added time, firing a crisp finish into the bottom corner.
Croatia could have taken an even earlier lead, but Andrej Kramaric’s eighth-minute penalty was saved by Maignan’s feet. Maignan also saved a powerful long range shot from Josko Gvardiol.
France now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in Sunday’s second leg at the Stade de France (19:45 GMT). They have failed to win any of their last three matches when conceding first in the Nations League, since a victory over Spain in October 2021.
Mbappé, who has scored 20 La Liga goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, was unable to inspire his team, despite registering six shots. The result leaves France with a significant challenge to progress in the competition.
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