France will host Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, a tournament won by Didier Deschamps` France team with a thrilling 4-2 victory. Now, seven years later, these two teams meet again for the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, following a surprising 2-0 win for Croatia in the first leg. The winner of this match will advance to the semifinals to face the winner of the Spain vs. Netherlands game.
The French team will be without Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, who has returned to Italy due to an ankle injury. Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani will replace him in the attack. Croatia`s squad includes veterans like captain Luka Modric, the Real Madrid midfielder, who is expected to make his 185th appearance for his national team. He will likely be joined in midfield by Mateo Kovacic and Petar Sucic.
Here’s how to follow the game and key details:
Viewing Information
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 23
- Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade de France — Paris, France
- Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: France +115; Draw +230; Croatia +290
Predicted Lineups
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Olise, Dembele, Barcola; Mbappe.
Possible Croatia XI: Livakovic; Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Sosa; Perisic, Kramaric; Budimir
Prediction
France is favored to win the return match after their disappointing first-leg defeat and are expected to reach the semifinals. Pick: France 3, Croatia 0.
Adrian Whitmore