On Thursday night in Split, Croatia won 2-0 with two goals scored in the first half. Andrej Kramarić initially missed the penalty in the eighth minute, but Ante Budimir scored for 1-0 in the 26th minute.
Ivan Perišić scored a super goal in the first minute of extra time of the first half.
The match concluded with Croatia triumphing 2-0, leaving the French side facing an uphill battle in the return leg set for March 23 at Stade de France. Deschamps was left to reflect on a match that clearly highlighted the tactical shortcomings of his team amidst a turbulent encounter.
This first leg of the quarter-finals not only served as a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead for the French national team but also emphasized how important desire and determination would be in the next match to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the prestigious final.