League of Nations, Croatia – France (1-1): A point that does not make the happiness of the Blues

Coherent evening in Split. This draw (1-1) was even almost predictable. As you might expect, we saw this Monday evening, against Croatia, in this second Nations League match, a French team that was not very reassuring defensively, and lacking in automation, due to the many changes made. by Didier Deschamps. A squad review that we saw off to a good start, after Adrien Rabiot’s goal, which turned into an average match after Kramaric equalized from the penalty spot. The draw is rather logical, and could even have turned into a defeat if Mike Maignan had not been vigilant at the end of the game. Or in victory if Antoine Griezmann had shown more lucidity. The France team is still undefeated against Croatia.

It was the newcomers who made the powder speak in the first period. Without however succeeding in breaking the Croatian lock. Moussa Diaby the first. Well launched in depth by Matteo Guendouzi (12th), who knew his first tenure this evening, with a long arrow from the midfield, he almost delivered a caviar on the head of Adrien Rabiot. After which, Diaby and Nkunku made their Parisian connection appreciated. The first served the second perfectly from the entrance to the surface, to place him in front of the goalkeeper, whom he crucified with a small dive. Unfortunately, an offside position deprived him of his first goal in Blue. Then, the Leipzig striker returned the favor to his Leverkusen colleague eight minutes later. Unfortunately, the latter came up against Dominik Livakovic.

Thinning Ben Yedder

But to speak only of the blue chances in the first period would fail to pay tribute to the few fires lit by the Croats in the French defense. Shortly after the quarter of an hour, Budimir took advantage of the defensive largesse of the evening to be served in depth before being caught by the patrol. And William Saliba, as an arsonist firefighter, sometimes gave cartridges to the opponent before catching up. Especially in the 25th, where he cracked under (light) pressure from Mateo Kovacic.

Upon returning from the locker room, the intensity and intentions were different. And the reward came very quickly. Ben Yedder, with his back to the game, turned well to launch Rabiot, who took advantage of the slowness of the Croatian defense, alone against the opposing goalkeeper. He left him no chance and scored the second goal of his international career in the 52nd. The improvement did not continue for very long because Luka Modric’s teammates tried to react, without making Maignan and his family tremble, let alone Kimpembe, author of a very correct individual performance.

But as against Denmark on Friday, things went wrong. As Griezmann nearly doubled the lead four minutes earlier, Jonathan Clauss charged and unbalanced Kramaric in the box. Heavily enough for the referee to point the penalty spot. The Croat took revenge himself, with a perfect counterpoint, in the 83rd. There followed a few electric minutes, those that can tip a match to one side or the other. But Maignan had a firm hand and Antoine Griezmann, when he had time and space to do better after eliminating Livakovic thanks to a favorable counter, missed.

The Blues have shown more control, it is true. Especially since ten changes were made by Deschamps compared to the starting lineup on Friday. Still, the questions, especially defensive, raised by the recent performances of the France team, have not been answered this evening. The Blues still have a little time for that, and two matches looming: Austria on June 10, and again Croatia three days later.