It was meant to be a night of celebration for Kylical MbappeWhich makes its long -awaited return to international football. But instead it was transformed into a frustrating evening as Luka Modrics Croatia outclassed France on one 2-0 victory in UEFA Nations League quarter finals First leg.
While France struggled to break down a resilient Croatian defenseThe Modric and Mbappe were in an unexpected exchange Late in the match. That veteran midfielder shouted on his future real Madrid teammate after a theater caseApparently say the French to stop dive. It was a moment of friendly jokes but also a reflection of intensity between two high -quality competitors.
Croatia took control early in the match and Modric was the essence of everything. The 38-year-old Checked the pace and was involved in the structure to the opening goal in the 26th minute. His perfectly lounged passport found Ivan Perisicthat crossed for Ante Budimir to go home.
Just before halftime, Croatia doubled its lead in spectacular way. Perišić, which turns from supplier to goal score, released a thunderstorm right foot volley into the back of the net after William Saliba’s approval fell in his way. With one 2-0 lead at half-timeThe Croatia was in commandWhile France was left frustrated.
Mbappe’s comeback ends in frustration
Mbappe, who played his first international match in over six months, was France’s biggest threat. He had an early effort rescued by Dominik Livakovic And continued to test the Croatian goalkeeper all night. But Whatever Real Madrid-Frammåt tried, he simply couldn’t find a way past the inspired shotgun.
Livakovic’s best moment came late in the second half, when Mbappe certainly looked to scoreJust for the Croatian goalkeeper to produce a fantastic reflex savings to deny him. The 26-year-old superstar created four important chances and had four shots on targetBut it was just one of those nights where nothing seemed to go.
Sparks fly between Modric and Mbappe
Despite the mutual respect between the two players, Modric and Mbappe had a card on the field in the game late in the game. IN 88th minuteThe Mbappe went down into the box in the hope of winning a late penalty or free kick. But instead of sympathy he met Modric’s animated responseasks him to come back.
Modric tells Mbappé to stop dive 😭
While it was a heated moment, It was also a reminder of the 39-year-old’s No-Nonsense attitude and leadership. The Croatian captain was not about to let his future clubmate dictate the game on his terms.
