Croatia win Nations League first leg on Mbappe's return

Croatia have avoided defeat in their last five matches when scoring first in the Nations League, since a 3-2 loss to Portugal in November 2020

France captain Kylian Mbappe's return to the national side ended in a shock defeat against Croatia in their Nations League quarter-final first leg.

Ante Budimir's header bounced off France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and spun into the net as the hosts took a 26th-minute lead.

Former Tottenham winger Ivan Persic fired home a crisp finish into the bottom corner to increase their advantage in first-half added time.

Croatia could have been ahead earlier, but Andrej Kramaric's eighth-minute penalty was saved by Maignan with his feet, while Josko Gvardiol's powerful shot from long range was also kept out by the AC Milan keeper.

France now face a tough task to turn the tie around in Sunday's second leg at the Stade de France (19:45 GMT).

They have failed to win any of their last three matches when conceding first in the Nations League, since a victory over Spain in October 2021.

Mbappe, who has scored 20 La Liga goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, made his return to the French side after a six-month absence.

But he not could not inspire them, despite having six shots in the match.