Luka Modric celebrates after scoring a goal in the match against France. Xavier Lane / Getty Images
The French holders failed to qualify for the final four of the League of Nations when they lost 1-0 at home to Croatia, as they were left without a victory in Monday’s race.
The world champions, who have now lost two and finished with two points, are at the bottom of Group 1 with two points, five from Croatia, thanks to an early penalty by Luka Modric.
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Denmark beat Austria 2-0 to stay at the top with nine points and cannot be caught by France, which is in danger of relegation after two games left in the group.
Austria is third with four points.
France coach Didier Deschamps has relocated his team as he seeks to relax players at the end of the season and has failed to present the best possible squad in four games this month.
Les Bleus seemed out of ideas in the defeat by Denmark plus draws against Croatia and Austria before Monday’s loss to the team they won in the World Cup final four years ago.
Croatia took an early lead five minutes later when Modric scored a penalty after Ibrahima Konate fouled Ante Budimir. It was Modric’s 22nd goal in 152 games for Croatia.
Killian Mbape had two chances, but the guests threatened the most in the 17th minute through Josip Brecalo.
Deschamps made two changes at halftime, scoring Aurelien Chuameni for Bubakar Camara in the midfield and Benjamin Pavar for Jules Kund on the right flank.
Mbape had a few more chances, but Ivica Ivusic saved comfortably while Croatia controlled the pace of the match.
Antoine Griezmann replaced Matteo Guenduzi with 10 minutes left in Deschamps’ last attempt to save a point.
But this proved futile, as France failed to score for the first time after scoring in their previous 23 games.
“It was a difficult month of June in terms of results. We didn’t have the energy and strength against teams that had more than us,” Deschamps said.
“We lost a little confidence on the way, but most of all we lacked freshness. When you play so many games, it’s very, very difficult. “
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