If the opening match of the Nations League play-offs serves as a benchmark for the current power dynamics, it appears that France might end up in the World Cup qualifying group alongside the Montenegrin national team.

Montenegro is set to face the loser of the two-legged match between Croatia and France. In the first leg at Poljud Stadium in Split, there was little doubt as Zlatko Dalić’s squad secured a 2:0 victory, inching closer to the finals of the League of Nations.

The “Fiery Ones” were in command during the first half, missing a penalty but then seeing Ivan Perišić provide an assist before scoring himself.

Mike Manjan made a crucial save from Andrej Kramarić’s penalty attempt. Following that, Ante Budimir netted the opening goal after a precise cross from Perišić.

As the first half reached stoppage time, Perišić showcased his elite skills – with a magnificent right-footed strike, he found the far corner of the “tricolor” net, establishing the final score.

In the second half, Croatia adopted a more defensive posture, while France attempted to respond through the efforts of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but their attempts were insufficient…

The return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the Stade de France, where it will be revealed which team will join Montenegro, the Czech Republic, the Faroe Islands, and Gibraltar in qualifying Group L for the World Cup.

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