Despite a declining final, Croatia still managed to achieve its goal, namely qualifying for the Nations League Quarter-Finals, thus saving a 2024 that would have been a failure if they had not progressed to the next round because it would have been added to the painful one of the European Championships, where Dalic's national team was eliminated in the groups. The possibility of starting 2025 in an incisive, different and perhaps surprising way comes from the name of the Croatians' opponent, that France that is always at the top, very strong, full of champions who reaffirmed their leadership in the convincing victory at San Siro in November against Italy that earned them first place. Deschamps, who finds Kylian Mbappé again and who will be able to enjoy a great Dembelè, will however have to evaluate, among others, Marcus Thuram while the loss of Griezmann is certain. Dalic, speaking of Inter fans or former Inter fans, said he was happy with Ivan Perisic while he publicly praised Toni Fruk, a young Rijeka midfielder, electing him as the best player in the Croatian championship. Croatia is on the decline from the peak it reached, precisely in the final of the 2018 World Cup against France but it won the last match against the transalpines in 2022 and it still remains a top-level team: the one against the vice World Champions will once again be a challenge not to be missed.

Croatia's Shape and Key Stats

From the start of the European Championship (finished in the groups, behind Spain and Italy) onwards, it has not been a particularly brilliant few months for Croatia, who, of the last 9 matches played, have won only 2 against Scotland and Poland.

The Nations League group was still concluded in second place and that was enough to access the Quarter Finals.

However, pay attention to Croatia's numbers At home: lost only 1 of the last 10 matches played and have scored in 6 consecutive matches.

France's Shape and Key Stats

The last image we have of France is that of an authoritative and aware team that won 1-3 at San Siro against Italy, snatching first place in the group after 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat.

Les Bleus therefore immediately picked themselves up after the KO in the semi-final of the European Championship against Spain. In their last 5 games, France have conceded only 3 goals but have scored 2.2 goals per game and of their last 11 Nations League matches, France have lost only 1.

Croatia vs France Prediction and Tactical Analysis

The feeling is that two mature teams will face each other who care a lot about this commitment. Croatia recovers some important pieces in defense (Juranovic and Stanisic) and, at home, is always tough to face, perhaps also for a France that, despite starting as favorite, knows that it could play its best chances at home on Sunday. The last two matches between the two national teams ended with a maximum of two goals and the BetMines prediction algorithm still sees this event as the most likely.

• The prediction of the BetMines algorithm for the match Croatia - France predicts an Over 2.5 goals at 47%
• The prediction of the BetMines algorithm for the match Croatia - France predicts an Under 2.5 goals at 53%

Croatia - France Predicted Lineups

Croazia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta – Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Perisic, Sucic, Baturina; Kramaric. Coach: Dalic.

Francia (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Konatè, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Zaire – Emery, Rabiot; Barcola, Mbappé, Dembelé. Coach: Deschamps.