With the Barcelona player Antoine Griezmann under the spotlight, France visits Croatia on Wednesday in another reissue of the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. The current champion, France, faces the runner-up, which will have about 7,000 of its fans in the stands of the Maksimir stadium in Zagreb in a match of the Group 3 of the Nations League.
Croatia and France met again in September, at the Stade de France, and the ‘bleus’ won 4-2, the same result of the World Cup final. Now France comes from 0-0 last Sunday against Portugal. The 'bleus' fans expect a great night from Griezmann and from the whole attack by Didier Deschamps. That the Barcelona player can finally combine with Kylian Mbappé. Didier Deschamps, coach “bleu”, and Hugo Lloris, captain, claimed this Tuesday before the media the importance of Barça.
Deschamps was forceful on the eve of the match against Croatia and defended Griezmann remembering his statistics as an international for France: “32 goals and 21 assists, he has already spoken on the field. I know of its quality and what it can bring us ”. Lloris said that “I don't know how you can question Griezmann, he fights for his teammates, he helps, he can't be questioned.” And he asked the other members of the team “to help.”
Portugal is the leader of the group, thanks to goal difference, tied on points with France. Croatia follows with 4 less. Sweden closes the table, which has not added any for now.
Regarding the 7,0000 Croatian fans waiting in the stands at Maksimir, “A little hostility will do us good”, assured Hugo Lloris. “Our supporters contribute a lot, we already felt it in the last game against Sweden (Croatia won 2-1 on Sunday),” said Zlatko Dalic, Croatian coach.
“Croatia is much stronger when they play at home.”Didier Deschamps said. “Luka Modric was not a Ballon d'Or for nothing and if Croatia reached the final of the World Cup, they owe him a lot.” Deschamps won a 0-2 friendly against Croatia as France captain at Maksimir Stadium on May 28, 2000.
Deschamps wanting Croatia a more lively game for his team. “I'm trying to expand our possibilities so that we can change at any time, during a game or from one game to another. We must be able to maintain a system that is our strength, but also to provide variety, “he explained.
France expects more from Griezmann, like Barcelona. This Wednesday as ‘bleu’ he has another chance.
Croatia-France
Maksimir Stadium, 8:45 p.m.
Croatia: Livakovic; Jedvaj, Lovren, Vida, Barisic; Vlasic, Kovacic, Modric; Pasalic; Perisic and Petkovic
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
France: Lloris; Pavard, Kimpembe, Varane, Digne; Sissoko, Kanté, Pogba; Griezmann; Giroud and Mbappé
Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)