Big surprises were recorded in the opening round of the Third League of Nations, when France lost at home to Denmark while at the same time Austria defeated Croatia away. It turned out that the two 2018 World Cup finalists were embarrassed a total of six months before the World Cup in Qatar, and tonight (Monday, 21:45 in Sports 4) they meet at the Split Stadium to recreate the final match from Russia where each will try to get first points in the campaign.
Croatia – France 0: 0 (Half 2)
Croatia started the campaign with an embarrassing home loss with a 3-0 result to Austria and suffered very harsh reviews from the local media and fans who claimed it was one of the weakest performances the team has made in years. In general, even in her previous two games, the world runner-up had a very hard time, in the 1: 1 home game against Slovenia where she absorbed in extra time and in the 1: 2 victory over Bulgaria in which she completed a dramatic turnaround, but these were two friendly games.
France come into the game without Killian Ambape, who injured his knee and was substituted at half-time against Denmark, despite being signed to the squad. Like many players from the senior squad, Karim Benzema also gets a rest and in the front opened Wissam Ben Yader and Christopher Anconco. At the gate were placed Mike Manian, and other youngsters like William Saliva, Matteo Ganduzi and Musa Diabi at 11. Coach Didia Deschamps mourning the death of his father was also absent this time. The host returned to the squad Luca Modric, who started on the bench in a defeat to Austria and was placed in the link alongside Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.
Austria – Denmark 0: 0 (Half 2)
Both teams arrive in excellent spirits. The Austrians defeated Croatia 0: 3 away, while Denmark came back from behind to a big 1: 2 in France. Andreas Cornelius, who won a double in France, on the bench in Denmark while Joseph Paulsen at 11 with Christian Eriksen, Martin Breitweit and Rasmus Christensen behind him. In Austria David Alaba returned to the squad and is in the center of defense alongside Stefan Push of Hoffenheim, Sasha Klaidzic opened in the lead, while Marco Arnautovic and Marcel Zavitzer on the bench.
Iceland – Albania 1: 1 (Half 2)
After the 2: 2 in Israel, the Icelanders return home and host Albania, which for its part opens the campaign at the home of the three teams and will host Israel this coming Friday.
Minute 30: Gate! Toulent Sefri put the visitors ahead from close range after a poor shot by goalkeeper Roner Ronarson, 0-1 Albania
Minute 49: Goal! Ion Thorsteinsson received a depth pass inside the extension and kicked from 11 yards out well into Iceland’s 1-1 draw
More games:
Latvia – Liechtenstein 0: 1
Latvia: Arthurs Zyuzins (73)
Belarus – Azerbaijan (21:45)
Slovakia – Kazakhstan (21:45)
Andorra – Moldova (21:45)