France Vs Croatia
France Vs Croatia Tuesday 8 September 2020 – 19:45 Kick-Off
UEFA Nations League – League A Group 3
Pick: France to WIN
Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 6 September 2020)
Preview: In a repeat of their 2018 World Cup final meeting in Russia, France will host Croatia inside Stade de France in the second group game from Group 3 of League A.
UEFA Nations League Betting at 22Bet
Table of Contents
France Preview – Winning without thrills quickly becoming norm?
The reigning World Cup holders achieved something they couldn’t during the inaugural Nations League in 2018, and that is win their opening game of the group stage. In fairness, we weren’t too far off a repeat of their goalless draw in Munich with Germany two years ago. On this occasion, however, the difference maker was Kylian Mbappe, scorer of the only goal in a 1-0 scoreline in Sweden on Saturday.
Slashing the ball home from a tight angle following some devilish dribbling in the box to find the space, the PSG forward would settle a rather uninspiring affair in Solna. A contest which, according to UEFA’s website, featured only three attempts on target and only one – the goal – came from the visitors. That a seventh victory, though, in eight competitive games since last incurring defeat in June 2019 (vs Turkey, 2-0).
Strikingly, despite boasting a plethora of attacking options, France have found goals hard to come by more recently. It is now seven scored in the last five internationals, netting more than once only twice and in what can only be described as routine wins over Albania and Moldova. Fortunately for Les Blues, a miserly defence marshalled by goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris has now shipped just three goals in eight games.
Croatia Preview – Confidence on the floor after Portugal thrashing?
Missing a raft of big names, including many who were integral in the country reaching the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, was probably a significant factor behind Saturday’s thumping 4-1 loss in Porto to an imperious Portugal side. Those same names – such as Real Madrid and former Barcelona midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic – are again absent here, meaning another tough night in store in Paris potentially.
Sometimes a scoreline can feel mighty harsh. That truly wasn’t the case in Portugal at the weekend as a Croatia side shorn of arguably two of their greatest ever players rather predictably struggled to assert themselves on proceedings. It left Dominik Livakovic badly exposed between the sticks as the 25-year-old shot-stopper restricted a staggering eleven attempts on target to four goals conceded.
Some perspective, however. Friday’s humbling marked a first loss in seven (W4 D2 L1). Suggesting an overreaction might not be entirely warranted. Then again, it could be set to get even worse. Croatia have now conceded at least once in 13 of the last 16 internationals, while they’ve only managed one win – against Slovakia (0-4) – from eight away matches since losing the 2018 World Cup final to France.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
France Vs Croatia Betting Advice
Ruthless and efficient under Didier Deschamps, traits which have become a feature of this French side who are now on an eight-game unbeaten stretch comprising seven victories and only three goals conceded. In Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, they boast an individual capable of turning any dour affair on its head in an instance. It is difficult, therefore, foreseeing any other than a routine win for the hosts in Paris.
France Vs Croatia – Key Facts
- Across their previous seven competitive home games (excluding friendlies), France won six, however, only two of these were without conceding.
- Since losing the 2018 World Cup final to France, Croatia have netted at least once in each of their last 14 matches (11 when excluding friendlies).
- In six previous head-to-head encounters Croatia have never registered a victory (D2 L4), losing two of three prior meetings held in France.
Five of France’s last seven victories were accompanied by a clean sheet, making the 15/8 (Bet365) about a France Win to Nil interesting. However, for all Croatia have been porous defensively for a long time now, they usually offer up an attacking threat having scored at least one goal in 14-straight matches. Instead, then, a France Win & Both Teams to Score appeals at 3/1, also with Bet365. France 3-1.
Best Betting Odds – France Vs Croatia
France – 3/4 (Bet365)
Draw – 3/1 (Betway)
Croatia -6/1 (Betfair)
