The Croatian national football team tied with its French guest 1-1 today, Monday, in the second round of the first group of the first level of the European Nations League.
The "Rooster" team advanced first through a goal scored by Adrian Rabiot in the 52nd minute, after a pass from Wissam Ben Yedder, who put him in a direct confrontation with the goal.
The hosts waited until the 83rd minute to equalize from a penalty kick, which was successfully executed by striker Andrej Kramaric.
The French attacking duo Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe did not participate, as the coach preferred to give them a rest after Benzema's long season with Real Madrid, and the injury that caused Mbappe to be substituted in the last Denmark match.
Mbappe (right) and Benzema watch the France-Croatia match from the bench (Getty)
France's draw comes after a surprising loss in the first round against Denmark 1-2 at Saint-Denis Stadium in the capital, Paris, in a disappointing start for the title holder.
Austria leads the group standings with 4 points, ahead of Denmark, second on goal difference, while France ranks third with one point, followed by Croatia with the same balance.
It is noteworthy that France won the European Nations League title in its previous version, after defeating Spain 3-2 in the final.