Didier Deschamps - players.bio

Nations League: Majestic Luka Modric Gives Croatia Victory Over France

Luka Modric's early penalty gave Croatia a 1-0 win over off-form France in Paris on Monday as the World Cup holders finished their June run of UEFA Nations League matches without a victory in four outings. Veteran Croatia captain Modric stroked in his spot-kick after just five minutes at the Stade de France, and the home side could not find an equaliser despite Kylian Mbappe returning to join Karim Benzema in the starting line-up. "We had an inferiority complex against France after their win in the World Cup and so to win at the Stade de France in front of almost 80,000 people against the world champions is extraordinary," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.

Defending champions France lose to Croatia in Nations League, Denmark beat Austria

France lost their Nations League title and faced the dim prospect of relegation after losing at home to Croatia 1-0 on Monday. Meanwhile, their group leaders Denmark beat Austria 2-0 to boost their 'Final Four' bid. Denmark have nine points, two more than second-placed Croatia with only the group winners going through.

Chelsea dealt transfer blow as top target Jules Kounde needs surgery on long-term injury

Chelsea have been dealt another blow to their hopes of signing Jules Kounde with France boss Didier Deschamps revealing that the defender requires surgery on a long-term injury issue.

France 0-1 Croatia: Luka Modric penalty ensures Didier Deschamps' side are eliminated from the Nations League

France remain rooted to the bottom of Nations League A Group 1, condemned to their second defeat in four games by Luka Modric’s penalty which, along with Denmark’s win against Austria, eliminated the holders from the competition with two games still to play. Croatia, meanwhile, move up to second, two points off the lead, and were good value for a fine win.