France vs. Croatia 9/8/20 UEFA Nations League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

France is hosting Croatia at Stade de France in round 2 in the UEFA Nations League.

France has extended their undefeated streak to 8 games after beating Sweden in the first game of the Nations League. France was solid on this match with 50% of ball possession, 5 corner kicks, 2 big chances created, 83% of the correct passes, but only 1 shot on goal. France got ahead in the 41st minute, but Sweden has forced them to defend in the second half. In the 95th minute of the game, France had a penalty kick, which Griezmann missed. France has won this match 0-1. France has qualified for the Euro cup next year, and they will be playing against Portugal and Germany in Group F, while the fourth team will be determined on a later date. Mbappe is the only goalscorer for France so far with 1 goal. France is playing with their probably strongest roster, but I think we can expect a few changes in the lineup for this match. I’m constantly reading that France is the biggest favorite to win the Euro Cup next year, but I don’t buy it. France is a good team, but if you ask me, they were pretty lucky when they won the World Cup a couple of years ago, and I just don’t see them as the biggest favorites to win the Euro Cup.

Croatia hasn’t lost their 6 last games, until the match against Portugal in the Nations League just a few days ago. Croatia was playing bad in that match, and they have had 43% of ball possession, 2 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and 83% of the correct passes. Croatia midfield was slow, the defense was sloppy and all over the place, while the offense was incredibly ineffective. Croatia was playing without Modric, Brozovic, Rakitic, and Perisic, but that is not an excuse for the performance that bad. Croatia has lost this match 4-1. Croatia has qualified for the Euro Cup next year, and they will be playing in Group D with England and the Czech Republic, while the fourth team is still unknown. Croatia has a lot of young and talented player, and I think that the future of Croatian soccer is bright, but those players are still not ready to take over the torch from players like Modric and Rakitic who have been carrying this team for years. Petkovic is the only goalscorer for Croatia at the moment with 1 goal, while Rebic added an assist. There will be no Rakitic and Modric in this game as well, but I’m sure coach Dalic will make some changes in the formation and lineup for this match against France.

Croatia and France have played against each other 4 times, and France has won 2 games, while the other 2 ended in a draw. The last defeat for Croatia against France was in the World Cup finals 2 years ago. Seeing how bad the Croatian defense against Portugal was, I don’t think they will be able to stop Mbappe. I expect goals in this game.