Croatia secured a convincing 2-0 home win over France to take control of their Nations League quarter-final.
Despite Andrej Kramaric early penalty miss, the hosts won the first leg with goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic.
France started the game as the better side but eventually fell to the Croatians, after several missed chances.
Ousmane Dembele had the first attempt but his shot from distance was quite easy for Dominik Livakovic to palm.
Croatia were handed a golden chance to take the lead in the eighth minute when a ball into the box was handled by Ibrahima Konate. However, Kramaric had his penalty saved by the legs of Mike Maignan.
France had two chances afterwards denied by Livakovic, after Kylian Mbappe had his first shot saved, before almost taking advantage of Stanisic’s errant pass to him.
The home side eventually took the lead, after a cross into the area from Perisic was headed towards goal by Budimir.
The hosts doubled the lead before the first half final whistle, as Perisic rifled home a fine half-volley into the bottom-left corner, following Martin Baturina’s blocked effort.
The PSV man, made it his 34th international goal, while also capping his 141st appearance for his country.
France improved after the break, wth Dembele looking to fire Les Blues back on track. After been played though by Mbappe, the Paris Saint-Germain forward found the side netting.
Livakovic went on to deny Dembele again, as the former Dortmund and Barcelona attacker fizzed a volley towards the Croatian goalkeeper, who also did well to prevent Mbappe’s curling effort from creeping in.
Didier Deschamps’ side will hope to claim a comeback win in the second leg at the Stade de France this Sunday.
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