UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Croatia vs France – tactical analysis

Croatia faced France in another World Cup final replay, only this time, the two titans faced off in the UEFA Nations League. And once again, just like in their previous encounters, Didier Deschamps’ team managed to overcome Zlatko Dalić’s.

But despite the 2-1 scoreline pointing towards another France outplay, Croatia were more than worthy opponents for the world champions. This tactical analysis will dissect both teams’ tactics and identify their main approaches.

Lineups

For Dalić, there weren’t really that many surprises in the squad. Croatia lined up in their standard 4-2-3-1 positions with Dominik Livaković between the sticks and a four-man defence consisting out of Filip Uremović, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida and Borna Barišić.

Luka Modrić and Milan Badelj were deployed in a double-pivot while Nikola Vlašić had a free role just ahead of them. Ivan Perišić and Mario Pašalić were wide midfielders while Bruno Petković was alone up top in the centre-forward role.

Deschamps went with a 4-3-1-2 formation with some changes but also with familiar faces. Hugo Lloris was in goal and protected by a backline of Ferland Mendy, Raphaël Varane, Clément Lenglet and Lucas Digne.

In midfield, Corentin Tolisso partnered Steven N’Zonzi and Adrien Rabiot. The forward line was made up of Antoine Griezmann in the no.10 role and Kylian Mbappé and Anthony Martial just ahead of him.