France U21 vs. Croatia U21 Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds

Round 2 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group C continues with a tilt between massive favourites France and disappointing Croatia.

France U21 vs. Croatia U21

UEFA European Under-21 Championship
San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Friday 21 June
20:00 UK Time

France U21 vs. Croatia U21 Game Preview

France came from behind to beat England in an exciting encounter and now are in a situation to practically book their place in the semis with another three points here. Croatia, on the other hand, disappointed in a 4-1 defeat against Romania and another loss here would mean elimination for them.

France U21 Team News and Latest Form

France left it late to secure a 2-1 victory over England in their opening UEFA U21 European Championship game. Moussa Dembele failed to get France a lead from the penalty spot as Dean Henderson saved his shot and Paul Foden scored for England in the second half. However, France had an extra man on the pitch after Hamza Choudhury received a straight red card and even though Houssem Aouar hit the post from another penalty, Les Bleuets scored two late goals to seals the win.

Sylvain Ripoll’s men limited England to just one shot on target, largely because of the defensive duo of Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate. Ripoll will likely not make many changes in this one but could spring a few with Matteo Guendouzi or Jean-Philippe Mateta who are quality options on the bench.

France won only two of the last seven matches but found the back of the net in 26 of the previous 27 and from what we saw in the tilt with England, they will create a ton of chances here. Still, the defence is not as good as they allowed at least a goal in seven of their last eight matches and the fact that Croatia last time failed to score in 2013 is surely alarming for Ripoll.

Croatia U21 Team News and Latest Form

Croatia didn’t experience a good European Championship start after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Romania, despite being favourites in that tilt. Numerous individual errors cost Nenad Gracan’s side as they allowed two quick goals early in the game while Nikola Vlasic’s goal wasn’t enough to avoid a big loss.

Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo sustained a knee injury and he was forced to leave the game against Romania and the tournament is likely over for him. Vlasic now has to step up as the star player in this side and he must deliver in a crucial game for his team.

Croatia have failed to keep a clean sheet in three of their previous four games and this big defeat to Romania was the second time in four matches where they allowed four goals. Their attack is a whole another story, though, as the Young Blazers scored at least a goal in each of their last 39 games, which is a fantastic record.

France U21 vs. Croatia U21 Head to Head

These rivals have met twice so far and France have a win with one draw. After a 3-1 victory in 2010, France and Croatia drew 2-2 in a friendly match at the Stade Pierre Brisson. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for the hosts; Alen Halilovic and Filip Uremovic scored for Croatia while Jonathan Bamba’s tied the score late in a game.