Croatia vs France Predictions

Croatia vs France predictions for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League fixture. Croatia host France at Stadion Poljud on Thursday in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, battling in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Nations League | Mar 20, 2025 at 7:45pm UK at Stadion Poljud

Croatia vs France Predictions

Can Croatia Withstand France’s Firepower in Split?

• France’s impressive away form
  • Les Bleus have won each of their last three away games, scoring a combined nine goals against Belgium, Italy, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
• Croatia’s defensive struggles
  • Dalic’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last six Nations League matches, conceding against Poland, Portugal, and Scotland.
• France’s attacking firepower
  • Deschamps’ men have scored at least two goals in four of their last six Nations League games, highlighting their attacking efficiency.

Best Bet for Croatia vs France

A rematch of the 2018 World Cup final takes centre stage in Split as Croatia host France in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final. With a semi-final spot on the line, both teams will be desperate to take control of the tie before the return leg in Paris.

For Croatia, this is a chance to prove they are still a force in international football. Zlatko Dalic’s men struggled at Euro 2024, failing to get past the group stage, and their Nations League campaign was far from convincing. Two wins, two draws, and two defeats were enough to see them scrape into the knockout rounds, but their recent form has been unconvincing. A winless run of three matches, including a disappointing home defeat to Scotland, has raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.

France, meanwhile, arrive in Croatia as the favourites. Didier Deschamps’ side topped their group in dominant fashion, picking up 13 points from six matches and finishing ahead of Italy thanks to their superior head-to-head record. Les Bleus have already won the Nations League once and are determined to add another trophy to their collection before Deschamps steps down in 2026. With Kylian Mbappé back in the squad and a wealth of attacking options, the visitors will be confident of breaking down Croatia’s defence.

Best Bet: France to Win

At BettingTips4You, we believe in quality over quantity, and for this match, our best bet is France to win. Given their superior squad, recent form, and Croatia’s struggles, this selection offers the best value.

There is a clear gulf in quality between these two sides. France have been in excellent form, winning four of their six group-stage matches and scoring freely in the process. Their away record has been particularly impressive, with recent victories over Belgium and Italy showcasing their ability to perform on the road. With Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise in attack, France have the firepower to trouble any defence.

Croatia, on the other hand, have been far from convincing. While they have been solid at home in recent years, their recent performances suggest they are not the same team that reached the final of the last Nations League. They have won just two of their last six matches, and their inability to see out games has been a recurring issue. Their 3-3 draw with Poland and 1-1 stalemate against Portugal exposed defensive vulnerabilities that France will look to exploit.

France’s tactical flexibility is another key factor. Deschamps has a squad capable of adapting to different situations, and even with Marcus Thuram ruled out, he has a wealth of options to choose from. Adrien Rabiot, who has been in superb form, will provide a driving force from midfield, while Aurelien Tchouaméni’s presence ensures defensive stability. The only real selection dilemma for France is at left-back, where Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne are competing for a starting spot.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick gives his take on this prediction:

“Croatia’s struggles are hard to ignore, and with France’s attacking options, this looks like a game where Les Bleus should have the upper hand. Expect them to control possession, create chances, and leave Split with a crucial win.“

Taking everything into account, a 2-1 victory for France seems like the most likely outcome. Croatia are still dangerous going forward, but France’s superior quality should see them through.

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