France and Croatia are looking to get their first win in their UEFA Nations League encounter when they meet at the Stadion Poljud in Split on Monday evening.
Croatia got their Nations League campaign off to the worst start after conceding a 3-0 defeat to Austria at the Gradski vrt through goals from Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch and Marcel Sabitzer.
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Les Bleus opened their Nations League account with a surprise 2-1 defeat to Denmark at the Stade de France on Friday after a brace by Andreas Cornelius cancelled out Karim Benzema’s 51st-minute opener.
Croatia will come into this fixture sitting at the foot of the Group A1 standings with zero points, while France are currently placed third in the table yet to collect any points.
Croatia midfielder Lovro Maje says: “We need to keep our heads up [after losing to Austria]. We all need to do better and I believe we will. It is interesting that France also lost. It’s not over yet, we need to … fix some things we did wrong.”
France captain Hugo Lloris adds: “[Friday’s defeat] puts the brakes on our very good recent form and now we need to bounce back as a team and taste victory again.”
In head-to-head stats between the two sides, France has claimed three consecutive wins in their last five games, while the other two fixtures have ended in stalemates.
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Players To Watch:
Andrej Kramarić: The Hoffenheim forward has been in some form for Croatia, having scored four goals in his last five games on the international stage.
Antoine Griezmann: The Atletico Madrid striker has a knack for scoring against Croatia, having found the back of the net in his last three appearances against Croatia.
Form Guide:
Croatia Form:
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France Form:
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