UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Kramaric’s equaliser denies Les Blues first victory in Nations League campaign, France slip to 3rd place, Watch Croatia vs France HIGHLIGHTS

Adrien Rabiot’s strike shortly after the break looked to have fired the visitors to victory in Group A1, in what was a rematch of the Russia 2018 World Cup final won by France.

Having slipped to an opening loss in their title defence against Demark on Friday, Didier Deschamps rung the changes for this clash, with all but one face swapped out. With fearsome talents like Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema benched, though, it took until after the interval for the deadlock to be broken.

Seizing onto a terrific ball from Wissam Ben Yedder, midfielder Rabiot steered a superb finish above Dominik Livakovic and into the top-left corner. That had looked to possibly be enough for the visitors, even as Luka Modric – on his 150th appearance for his country – had helped push for an equaliser.

Kramaric’s late intervention, however, proved a return blow, and the two sides ultimately were forced to settle for a point.

What does it mean? Croatia get helping hand to snatch draw

It is hard to argue that Zlatko Dalic ‘s side did not deserve to take a point away from the visit of the world champions, having edged them for shots and matched them for efforts on target throughout.

But against a France side missing several first-choice starters as Les Bleus experiment with their impressive depth ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, they may be wary of the fact they needed a penalty in order to save face.

Les Bleus still winless in title defence

It is just one point from their opening two Nations League games for France so far, in what could be a worry for their World Cup prospects at the end of the year.

But Deschamps has now auditioned more of his squad in an effective dress rehearsal for selection now and with still just a single loss since they were eliminated from Euro 2020, the warning signs will not need to flash just yet.

What’s next?

Croatia take to the road to face Denmark in Copenhagen on June 10 while France travel to face Austria in Vienna on the same day.