France will host Croatia at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 19:45 GMT+0, hoping for a stunning turn around in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. While Croatia looks to guarantee their semi-final position on one of the biggest platforms, with a capacity of 81,338 fans, this second-leg duel offers high stakes as Les Bleus attempt to reverse a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Split. Referee Oliver M. from England oversees the action.
Reaching its exciting playoff round, the UEFA Nations League features two European giants against each other in a do-or-die scenario in this game at the Stade de France. While Croatia arrive with momentum and a proven capacity to challenge the odds in Paris, as seen by their 1-0 triumph here in June 2022, France, reeling after their poor performance in Croatia will rely on home advantage and their striking depth.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into the France vs Croatia prediction today, where we’ll unpack the critical elements shaping this UEFA Nations League quarter-final. This part prepares one to grasp the previous performance of the teams, head-to-head history, and important elements influencing the result. The numbers and patterns from their most recent meetings provide insightful hints given France under pressure to react and Croatia riding high. Anticipate a breakdown of their performances before March 23, 2025, and learnings about how earlier meetings might shape this crucial fight. Let’s investigate the facts on this epic football match.
France Results
Desperate to save their Nations League season following a devastating 2-0 loss in Split on March 20, 2025, France heads into this second leg Especially at home in this competition, Didier Deschamps’s team has showed flashes of genius but also irritating inconsistency. Their form over the past few months presents a mixed bag since Paris is a must-win scenario.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 20.03.25 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 2-0 | L |
| 17.11.24 | UNL | Italy vs France | 1-3 | W |
| 14.11.24 | UNL | France vs Israel | 0-0 | D |
| 14.10.24 | UNL | Belgium vs France | 1-2 | W |
| 10.10.24 | UNL | Israel vs France | 1-4 | W |
With only two victories in their last six Nations League games in Paris, France’s home record calls questions. The 2-0 loss in Croatia revealed defensive shortcomings, most notably Ibrahima Konate’s problems, and their assault lacked clarity. But when firing on all cylinders, triumphs over Belgium and Israel reveal their potential. The goalless draw against Israel at home exposes a Stade de France low-scoring pattern tendency. Unless they find their cutting edge on Sunday, this inconsistency could haunt them.
Croatia Results
Following their outstanding 2-0 first leg victory over France, Croatia arrive in Paris confident. Combining experience with fresh talent, Zlatko Dalic’s men have shown they can challenge Europe’s best. Their current form sets the foundation for a daring performance by reflecting resiliency and a talent for delivering in major events.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 20.03.25 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 2-0 | W |
| 18.11.24 | UNL | Croatia vs Portugal | 1-1 | D |
| 15.11.24 | UNL | Scotland vs Croatia | 1-0 | L |
| 15.10.24 | UNL | Poland vs Croatia | 3-3 | D |
| 12.10.24 | UNL | Croatia vs Scotland | 2-1 | W |
Croatia’s first-leg triumph showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing, with Ante Budimir shining. Their 1-0 loss in Scotland aside, they’ve been tough to beat, drawing with Poland and Portugal in high-scoring affairs. The famous 1-0 win in Paris in 2022 proves they can thrive as underdogs on this ground. Seven of their last eight matches across all competitions have stayed under 3.5 goals, suggesting a compact, controlled approach. This resilience could frustrate France again.
France vs Croatia Head-to-Head
With their recent clashes providing a rollercoaster of outcomes, the history between France and Croatia lends mystery to this quarterfinal. While France will rely on their deeper squad to change the narrative, Croatia’s unexpected triumph in Paris in 2022 looms big. Many times, these meetings have been tight, contested events that set up another possible nail-biter.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 20.03.25 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 2-0 |
| 13.06.22 | UNL | France vs Croatia | 0-1 |
| 06.06.22 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 1-1 |
| 14.10.20 | UNL | Croatia vs France | 1-2 |
| 08.09.20 | UNL | France vs Croatia | 4-2 |
With two of the last three, including the first leg, Croatia has the upper hand lately. Driven by their offence, France’s most recent triumph was 2-1 in Zagreb in 2020. The 4-2 thriller in Paris in 2020 stands out from the low-scoring trend since it suggests defensive changes from both teams.
Predicted Football Lineups for France vs Croatia
Based on current form, injuries, and tactical preferences, this section lists the anticipated starting XIs for the March 23, 2025, matchup. Understanding the possible lineups helps one estimate how every team would handle this important football game.
France Predicted XI: Maignan (GK), Kounde (DF), Upamecano (DF), Saliba (DF), T. Hernandez (DF), Camavinga (MF), Tchouameni (MF), Olise (MF), Dembele (FW), Barcola (FW), Mbappe (FW)
Croatia Predicted XI: Livakovic (GK), Caleta-Car (DF), Sutalo (DF), Gvardiol (DF), Stanisic (DF), Modric (MF), Kovacic (MF), Sosa (MF), Perisic (MF), Kramaric (MF), Budimir (FW)
Unavailable Players
Injuries and absences can shift the balance of this tie, so here’s who might miss out based on the latest updates.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| France | I. Konate | Tactical/Performance |
| Croatia | L. Sucic | Injury |
Konate’s first-leg struggles could see him benched, though he’s fit, while Sucic’s pre-match injury leaves Croatia lighter in midfield.
Key Factors to Watch in France vs Croatia
With the stakes sky-high, several elements could define this quarter-final second leg. Both teams bring unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the Stade de France. Here are the critical points to monitor:
- France’s Home Struggles: Just two wins in their last six Nations League home games signal vulnerability;
- Croatia’s Paris Record: Their 1-0 win here in 2022 shows they can upset France on their turf;
- Mbappe’s Form: France’s captain needs to ignite an attack that misfired in Split;
- Modric’s Influence: The 39-year-old’s composure could steady Croatia under pressure;
- Defensive Adjustments: Upamecano replacing Konate might tighten France’s backline;
- First-Leg Momentum: Croatia’s 2-0 lead gives them a cushion to defend smartly;
- Low-Scoring Trend: Four of France’s last five home Nations League games were under 2.5 goals;
- Fatigue Factor: France’s congested schedule could sap their energy late on.
Free Tips on France vs Croatia
These tips focus on practical insights for the France vs Croatia clash on March 23, 2025. Drawing from deeper trends and match-specific details, they aim to sharpen your betting perspective. Here’s how to approach this quarter-final:
- Look at Goal Totals: With seven of Croatia’s last eight games under 3.5 goals and France’s home matches trending low, expect a tight contest rather than a goal-fest;
- Consider Croatia’s Resilience: Their ability to grind out results, like the 1-0 in Paris in 2022, makes them a live underdog to avoid defeat again;
- Watch Mbappe’s Impact: If France are to turn this around, their star man’s finishing will be key check his shots-on-target stats;
- Factor in Referee Oliver: Known for a balanced approach, he’s unlikely to skew the game with excessive cards, favoring a clean match;
- Home Crowd Effect: The Stade de France’s 81,338 fans could lift France, but their recent home form tempers expectations.
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France vs Croatia Prediction 2025
France face a steep challenge to overturn a 2-0 deficit, but their home advantage and attacking firepower give them a fighting chance. Croatia’s disciplined display in Split, paired with their 2022 Paris heroics, suggests they won’t roll over. The France vs Croatia odds likely favor Les Bleus to win on the night, but the tie’s outcome hinges on extra time or penalties. We predict France will level the aggregate score at 2-2 with a 2-0 victory in regular time, driven by Kylian Mbappe and a rejigged defense featuring Upamecano. Croatia’s low-scoring road trend (under 3.5 goals in most recent outings) and France’s home struggles (four of five under 2.5 goals) point to a cagey affair. However, France’s depth Olise, Dembele, and Barcola should exploit Croatia’s aging legs late on. If it goes beyond 90 minutes, France’s penalty pedigree, honed in big tournaments, edges them through. Croatia will sit deep, relying on Budimir and Modric, but the Stade de France atmosphere could tip the scales.
Our Prediction: France 2-0 Croatia (France Win on Penalties)
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result (90 min) | France to Win | 1.42 |
| To qualify | France | 2.5 |
France’s backs-to-the-wall situation demands a response, and their attacking riches should deliver at home. Betting on this match offers intrigue, and you can place your wager with confidence. The bet on the match – France vs Croatia – you can make on bc.game, a platform known for competitive odds and a seamless experience. Whether it’s the 90-minute result or the penalty shootout drama, bc.game provides the tools to back your hunch don’t miss out on this thrilling Nations League showdown!
