Crotia rattle holders France

“What is certain is that we failed to prove we wanted to stop Croatia,” he said. “One of our strengths is a solid defensive set-up and we did not have it tonight. “When you let your opponents play at such a level you can’t be surprised to find yourself in trouble.” After opening the scoring when Zinedine Zidane’s free kick flicked off defender Igor Tudor into the net, France looked almost disinterested in the proceedings until finding themselves 2-1 down in the 52nd minute. Santini’s team selection was questionable. Veteran defender Marcel Desailly was brought back into the starting lineup after recovering from a knee injury but he looked rusty, failing to make a routine clearance which led to Croatia’s second goal by Dado Prso. Desailly, who had a mediocre season with his club Chelsea, turns 36 in September and may have played his record 116th and last international. Mikael Silvestre, who replaced Desailly in the 2-1 stoppage time victory over England, conceded his second penalty in two games against the Croatians. Unlike England captain David Beckham, Croatia midfielder Milan Rapaic did not fluff his lines from the spot and Silvestre may lose his place to the experienced Bixente Lizarazu.

The absence of injured Claude Makelele was also significant, his replacement Olivier Dacourt looking nervous and giving away frequently.