Mar 21, Kathmandu- France, led by Kylian Mbappe, lost to Croatia.

Croatia won 2-0 at home in the first leg of their quarter-final on Friday morning.

Croatia scored both goals in the first half. In the 26th minute, Ante Budimir's header hit France goalkeeper Mike Magnon.

Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time. Croatia had previously missed a penalty in the 8th minute. Andrej Kramaric's penalty was saved by France goalkeeper Magnon with his foot.

Mbappe's team then looked desperate. Mbappe, who scored 20 La Liga goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, returned to the French team after a six-month absence.

But despite taking six shots in the match, he failed to score.

The result now makes it difficult to make a comeback and reach the semi-finals in the second leg at the Stade de France on Sunday.