Nations League Quarterfinals: Croatia vs France Odds, Betting Preview, & Picks

We’re into the last eight of the UEFA Nations League and two familiar foes will clash in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 20 when Croatia welcomes France to the Stadion Poljud in Split. The kick-off for the first leg is scheduled for 3:45 PM ET. This is their first meeting since June of 2022 when the Croatians ran out 2-1 winners on aggregate in the semifinals, eventually losing in the showpiece to Spain. Below, we’ll lay out the odds, preview the fixture, and give our Croatia vs France picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Croatia vs France Nations League Odds

France is a slim +105 favorite, while Croatia sits at +230 odds. Despite beating the 2018 World Cup winners in the ‘22 Nations League knockout stages, the Croatians have had little success against France. That was Les Bleus’ only defeat against The Checkered Ones in 10 meetings dating back to 1998.

Croatia vs France Analysis

While Croatia has an opportunity to potentially get back to the finals, it hasn’t been the most impressive Nations League campaign for them. Zlatko Dalic’s men finished second in their group behind Portugal but compiled a 2-2-2 record, grabbing just eight points from a possible 18. They’ve bagged eight goals while also conceding the same number.

The Croatians went winless in their final three group games, losing to Scotland and drawing Portugal and Poland. Dalic brings back an experienced squad for the quarterfinals, with Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric, who are seasoned veterans for their country, leading the charge. Playing on home soil should certainly help the hosts in the opening leg.

France is still a very strong side and they proved just that in group play. Didier Deschamp’s men finished in top spot above Italy and Belgium, going 4-1-1. Their attacking prowess was on full display, netting 12 times and conceding just six. Randal Kolo Muani has been their most productive player in the final third, bagging three goals.

Kylian Mbappe has only played two matches out of the six but he’s expected to return to the fold here for the last eight. He’s yet to open his account in the competition, but the Real Madrid star is in fine form at club level and could very well get in on the action across these two legs. Les Bleus beat Italy 3-1 on matchday six back in November and head into this encounter as a slim favorite at soccer betting sites.

Croatia vs France Team News

The Croatians are missing a few key players. Igor Matanovic and Bruno Petkovic won’t be available to feature up top, while midfielders Lovro Majer and Luka Sucic are dealing with injuries as well. As for France, they have an abundance of attackers to choose from with Mbappe back. Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram is the only absentee for Deschamps.

Croatia vs France Nations League Picks

As previously mentioned, it’s rare to see France actually lose to Croatia. They’ve had several entertaining affairs over the years, but considering Les Bleus’ electrifying attack, I have to take them in the opening leg. Aside from Mbappe, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele are firing on all cylinders for their respective clubs. The visitors will roll into Split and produce the goods.

Pick: France +105