France U21 Form & News Team
France let it be too late to secure a 2-1 victory against England in the opening match of the UEFA U21 European Championship. Moussa Dembélé saw an early penalty saved and Houssem Aouar hit the post from another penalty which would make it 1-1.
Les Bleuets added pressure with a man's advantage and were finally rewarded with Jonathan Ikon equalizing in the 89th minute and substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta forcing an own goal deep into extra time. Sylvain Ripoll's side held England to a shot on target, largely due to the defense duo Ibrahima Konate and Upamecano Dayot in Leipzig.
Ripoll won't want to make many changes here, but can make a few surprises with the high-quality squad available to him. Mattéo Guendouzi is an option in the midfield while striker Jean-Philippe Mateta may have to continue on the bench at the expense of Moussa Dembélé.
France have won 12 of their last 13 matches at the U21 European Championship including qualifying and short price favorites against Croatia at 1.36. The price is good for accumulators but I will mainly support France in the handicap -1 market at 2.00.
Croatia U21 Form & Team News
The Croatia U21 European Championship had a bad start after a 4-1 defeat against Romania. A number of individual errors harming Nenad Gracan's side with a long-range strike by Nikola Vlasic was far from enough to prevent a heavy defeat.
Vlasic is a star player on this team and he must be the best for Croatia to have a chance against France. Winger Josip Brekalo hobbled with a knee injury that could spell the end of his tournament.
Croatia's U21 team failed to record clean sheets in three of their last four matches in all competitions. The 4-1 defeat against Romania was the second time in four matches where they conceded four goals.
That was a big concern against a far superior French team. Croatia U21 are not favored here but can be supported at 8.00 to win by paying a draw of 4.50.
Forecast
France scored twice in the last five minutes from 1-0 to beat England 2-1 on Tuesday. Defeat in the first game will put France on the verge of going out but now they are in a good position in the group.
Croatia, meanwhile, is on the verge of elimination. They were beaten 4-1 against Romania in their first match and that would require an extraordinary turnaround for them to leave Group C.
There are exactly four goals scored in each of the last two meetings between the two countries, so expect a goal on Friday.
France U21 vs Croatia U21 Main Statistics
France U21 have won 12 of their last 13 matches (European Championship U21).
France U21 have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches (European Championship U21).
The France U21 squad is worth € 368 million.
Croatia U21 squad is worth € 78 million.
Croatia U21 have failed to keep clean sheets in 3 of their last 4 matches in all competitions.
Croatia U21 have conceded 4 goals in 2 of their last 4 matches in all competitions.
