France vs Croatia Predictions

France vs Croatia predictions for Sunday night’s Nations League clash. France are predicted to win with both teams scoring, as Croatia’s motivation is high but France’s home advantage and clinical attack should edge a competitive rematch with goals at both ends. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips

Nations League | Mar 23, 2025 at 7:45pm UK at Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla

France vs Croatia Predictions

Will France Mount a Comeback or Are Croatia on the Brink of Another Historic Win?

• Goals follow Croatia away: Four of Croatia’s last six matches on the road have ended with both sides scoring, showing their attacking output and vulnerability.
• France rarely win without conceding: In all of France’s last three victories, both teams have found the net, pointing to fragility even when they dominate.
• Backlines under pressure: With Konate benched and Baturina likely dropped, both teams will feature reshuffled defences—hardly ideal in such a high-stakes match.

Best Bet for France vs Croatia

The lights of the Stade de France will be blinding on Sunday night, but whether they illuminate a heroic French comeback or shine on a Croatian masterclass remains to be seen. The second leg of this UEFA Nations League quarter-final carries with it far more than a spot in the semi-finals—it’s personal. A 2018 World Cup final rematch has turned into a very real shot at revenge for Croatia, who stormed to a stunning 2-0 win in Split on Thursday night. Now, with one boot in the final four, they’ll attempt to hold off a France side wounded, embarrassed, and, most of all, desperate.

Croatia’s display in the first leg was measured and ruthless. Ivan Perisic, perhaps on the final stretch of a glittering career, reminded everyone that experience can still outclass youth. His cross for Ante Budimir’s header and sublime half-volley just before the interval left France looking dazed. If not for Mike Maignan saving Andrej Kramaric’s early penalty, it could’ve been even worse for Les Bleus. Still, the damage has been done—and now France must fix the mess they created.

Back in Paris, with their pride poked and their fans fully behind them, France are expected to come out swinging. But the concern is valid. This isn’t a one-off bad day at the office—France have now failed to beat Croatia in their last three meetings, and their Nations League home form has been unconvincing at best. The pressure is immense, and this time, even Kylian Mbappe won’t be able to run from it.

Best Bet for France vs Croatia: Both Teams to Score

Here at BettingTips4You, we don’t bombard you with a dozen picks hoping something sticks. Our philosophy is simple: one match, one prediction, selected after carefully weighing up every bit of relevant info. For this fiery encounter in Saint-Denis, our Best Bet is Both Teams to Score.

There are several compelling reasons to back this. First, France must go all in from the opening whistle. Deschamps will know a cautious approach is futile with a two-goal deficit, and with attacking players like Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola in the lineup, they’ll inevitably create chances. On home turf, against a Croatian side likely to sit deeper and absorb pressure, Les Bleus will throw everything forward—leaving themselves wide open to counter-attacks.

Croatia, on the other hand, have shown that they’re far from conservative when given space. They scored twice before the break in the first leg, and they’ve found the net in four of their last six away games. Even when they’re on the back foot, they know how to hurt teams. With Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic controlling the tempo, and Ivan Perisic still delivering magic from the flanks, they’ve got the tools to strike again—especially if France push recklessly forward.

With Memphis Depay, Gakpo, and Simons all likely to feature for the visitors, the Dutch have plenty of avenues to goal. Spain will lean on Morata’Defensively, both teams have issues. France are likely to field Dayot Upamecano in place of Ibrahima Konate, whose performance in the first leg was, let’s say, memorable for all the wrong reasons. Croatia may also tweak their shape, perhaps dropping Martin Baturina for an extra defender. But tinkering can’t fix everything—and when the pressure mounts, mistakes follow.

BettingTips4You.com expert quote:

“France will chase the game, Croatia will break. It’s a classic recipe for both teams to score—and neither backline looks built for a clean sheet right now.” – EMMANUEL MWANKWO

The combination of France’s attacking intent and Croatia’s counter-attacking quality makes BTTS a bet that ticks all the boxes. It’s not just possible—it feels inevitable. We’re expecting France to win on the night, but not without conceding. A 3-1 home victory looks about right, forcing extra time and setting up a nervy finish. One thing’s for sure—this one won’t be dull.

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