French woes continue as Modric leads Croatia to victory

Defending UEFA Nations League champions France sit bottom of Group A after four games of the competition with only two points to their name following a defeat to Croatia.

In Didier Deschamps' team's second home fixture, they suffered a second loss after falling to Denmark on June 3.

Having drawn 1-1 against Croatia a week ago in the return fixture, there was no repeat of the draw with the visitors this time running out the victors.

Modric's strike

There was a LaLiga Santander connection to the opening goal as Osasuna forward Ante Budimir won a penalty, being clipped by Liverpool defender Ibrahim Konate to earn the spot-kick.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric stepped up to convert the penalty, though his penalty wasn't his best and Mike Maignan almost denied the Croatian in goal for the French.

Opportunities for the French

In the first half, France struggled to breakdown the Croatian midfield and Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic dominated.

Changes early in the second half, including the introduction of Real Madrid's latest signing, Aurelien Tchouameni, helped the home team.

France did benefit from the better chances for the remainder of the match, racking up 15 shots to Croatia's three, with Kylian Mbappe's pace being a threat alongside his link-up play with Karim Benzema.

However, it wasn't enough to take the win, and France remain bottom of their group and facing a potential relegation from the top tier of the Nations League only months after winning the competition.