UEFA Nations League: Croatia hand France defeat on Mbappe’s return

Croatia continued their great form with a shocking win over France in the quarter-finals first leg of the UEFA Nations League.

This win ensured that Croatia recorded their second win in their last 12th meeting and avoided defeat in their last five matches.

Their last defeat was the same competition when scoring first in the Nations League, since a 3-2 loss to Portugal in November 2020

 Kylian Mbappe’s return to the national side ended in a shock defeat against aside that were awarded a penalty by Mike Magnanin saved the spot kick.

The hosts eventually went in the the lead on their third attempt at goal when Ante Budimir’s header bounced off  Maignan and spun into the net in the 26th minute.

They then made it through former Tottenham winger Ivan Persic when fired home a crisp finish into the bottom corner to increase their advantage in first-half added time.

Croatia were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute but Andrej Kramaric’s eighth-minute penalty was saved by Maignan with his feet, while Josko Gvardiol’s powerful shot from long range was also kept out by the AC Milan keeper.

France will have to face a tough task to turn the tie around in Sunday’s second leg at the Stade de France.

Mbappe, who has scored 20 La Liga goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, despite his return to the French side after a six-month absence could not inspire them, despite having six shots in the match.

It’s now a huge task for Les Blues against a side that seemed confident and meticulous with the use of the ball.

They forced both Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele into the midfield to collect the ball after cutting supplies to them.

Although the chances were reduced to minimal, Mbappe still showed some flash of brilliance that could inspire them in the return leg.

Dembele who’s also in the form of his could create problems for the Croats on their return to France for the second leg.