In a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, Croatia will battle France, this time with the former as the hosts at the Stadion Poljud in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming clash.
Match Overvie
Both sides will be keen on putting up a strong performance and gaining an early advantage in the tie before the second leg meeting, slated for Sunday, March 23, 2025. The last time Croatia hosted France in the UEFA Nations League, the hosts secured a 1-0 victory on June 6, 2022, following a 2-2 stalemate between the two sides just four days earlier.
Croatia Recent Form Analysis
Across all competitions, Croatia has won just two of their last five games, picking up three draws and suffering one defeat. During this period, they have scored seven goals while conceding five.
Last Five Games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
Latest Result: Croatia 1-1 Poland.
France Recent Form Analysis
France has been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four and drawing one across all competitions. During this time, Les Bleus have scored 11 goals while conceding just three.
Last Five Games: 4 wins, 1 draw.
Latest Result: Italy 1-3 France.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Games)
- France 0-1 Croatia
- Croatia 1-1 France
- Croatia 1-2 France
- France 4-2 Croatia
- France 4-2 Croatia
Our Prediction for Croatia vs France
While France holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, matches between these two teams are almost always tightly contested. Punters should stake on a Double Chance (2X) with odds of 1.31 on 1xBet. Another solid option is Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.76 on 1xBet.
Player to Watch
William Saliba – The 23-year-old French defender of Lebanese and Cameroonian descent has established himself as a key figure in both Arsenal’s and France’s backlines in recent seasons. Saliba has played 39 matches for Arsenal this season and will undoubtedly start for France against Croatia. His defensive abilities will be crucial in shutting down Croatia’s attacking threats.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
We’ve identified the following as the best tips for this match:
- Double Chance (2X) with odds of 1.31 on 1xBet.
- Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.76 on 1xBet.
