Overview
The 0-2 defeat in the first leg put France at a disadvantage. Les Bleus can only blame themselves, as they are the team that controls the game with 62% possession, launching double shots against their opponents. However, they could not defeat goalkeeper Livakovic once.
With this result, the French team will have to make many times more efforts in the second leg to be able to turn the tide. The home advantage will be a great support for France. Despite losing 0-1 in the most recent home match between the two teams, in the remaining 5 matches, France had 4 wins and 1 draw when hosting Croatia.
For Croatia, they have always shown the discomfort of a "dark horse" for many years. Not to mention, Croatia also has a good squad with many stars playing in top European teams such as Gvardiol, Kovacic, Perisic and especially Luka Modric. The Real Madrid midfielder is still playing the role of midfield leader despite being nearly 40 years old.
In this match, France will be forced to raise their squad, continue to pressure their opponents to find an equalizer. The talent of world-class superstars will help Les Bleus get what they need. However, Croatia also has enough experience to maintain the advantage.
The French team will rely on Kylian Mbappe for inspiration in the rematch against Croatia. Meanwhile, Perisic will be the explosive point in Croatia's attack.
Personnel situation
Ibrahima Konate had to leave the field in the first half of the first leg after being injured. Therefore, Dayot Upamecano is likely to start in the second leg.
On the other side of the front line, Croatia will once again be without the services of midfielders Igor Matanovic and Luka Sucic due to injuries in the return match at Stade de France.
Expected lineup:
France: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Dembele, Olise, Barcola, Mbappe.
Croatia: Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, P. Sucic, Baturina, Kramaric.
The match between France and Croatia takes place at 2:45 am on May 24 (Vietnam time).
