UEFA Nations League - Perisic scores as Croatia beat France 2-0

Another focus match was staged in the first round of the UEFA Nations League A quarter-finals in the 2024/25 season. The "Checkered Army" Croatia, playing at home, defeated the "Gallic Rooster" France 2-0 after goals from Budimir and Perisic.

Three minutes into the game, France took the lead in organizing an attack. Mbappe dribbled into the penalty area and made a cross near the top of the arc. Dembele received the ball and made a long shot, but because the angle was too straight, the ball was directly caught by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic.

In the 4th minute, when Budimir received a pass from his teammate in the penalty area, French defender Konate's hand touched the ball, and the referee awarded Croatia a penalty. Later, Kramaric took the penalty, but the ball was blocked by French goalkeeper Maignan. In the 13th minute, Kounde made a mistake when passing the ball, and Gvardiol took the ball and shot from a distance, but the ball was caught by French goalkeeper Maignan.

In the 15th minute, France created an attacking opportunity. Mbappe received a pass from his teammate and shot, but was blocked by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic. In the 26th minute, Perisic received a pass from his teammate and passed it to the goal in front of the defense. Budimir took advantage of the opportunity to shoot the ball into the goal, helping Croatia take the lead 1-0.

In the first half stoppage time, Kramaric got the ball and passed it to the penalty area. Baturina's shot was blocked by the opponent. Then, Perisic immediately stepped forward and volleyed the ball into the goal, helping Croatia expand its lead to 2-0.

At the beginning of the second half, France arranged for Upamecano to replace Konate. In the 57th minute, Dembele sent a cross from the right, and Muani went forward to shoot but was blocked by the opponent. In the 62nd minute, France continued to counterattack. Dembele received Mbappe's cross and shot from the penalty area, but the ball hit the side net.

In the 72nd minute, Guendouzi made a cross from the right, and Barkola in the penalty area got the ball and shot wide. In the 80th minute, Dembele took the ball and passed it back, Mbappe received it and shot, but it was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic.

In the end, Croatia defeated France 2-0 at home.