Fluctuating fortunes for France

If they are to retain the European title they won in Rotterdam in 2000, France seemed determined to do it the hard way.

First-half dominance
Jacques Santini's side produced a miracle finish against England on Sunday when all seemed lost. In Leiria's Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on Thursday evening, they totally dominated the first 45 minutes and looked set for a comfortable success.

Croatian comeback
But Croatia, subdued and uncomfortable after going behind to an Igor Tudor own goal in 22 minutes, raised themselves for a tremendous fightback that brought two goals in seven minutes immediately after half-time. Milan Rapaic nervelessly converted a penalty after Mikaël Silvestre had tripped Giovani Rosso, and Dado Pršo punished lax defending to fire in a fine half-volley and turn the game completely on its head.

Trezeguet leveller
It took Juventus FC striker David Trezeguet to haul France level just after the hour, and either side could have gone to win in a topsy-turvy, thoroughly entertaining second half.

Improvement required
Santini admitted his side would need to raise their game if they are to prevail in future contests. "We have seen that in football things can quickly change," he said. "Against England, we scored two quick goals. Today it was the Croats who did it to us. We can't repeat these moments of weakness if we want to go far.

Subdued Santini
"We were very satisfied with the first half but disappointed with the first 20 minutes of the second," the France coach continued. "We lost a lot of balls stupidly, the Croatians gained confidence and played on their strong points. I congratulate them. We didn't find a formula to tackle them and that caused problems."

Sharp contrast
While Santini was in downbeat mood after his side failed to perform to expectations, his opposite number Otto Baric was keen to accentuate the positives of the draw. The Croatia coach, so disappointed with his team's blunt attack in the goalless draw with Switzerland on Sunday, was certainly more heartened after seeing his charges rally so strongly. "I congratulate my players," he said. "They deserved at least a draw, and maybe even better."

One win away
Victory in their final Group B game against England would be enough to earn Croatia a place in the quarter-finals, a feat Baric believes his team are well capable of achieving. "We have the match ball against England, and I am convinced we have the strength and morale to come through," he said. "I am persuaded that we will reflect this strength and morale in the match against England."

French on top
France will reflect on how they managed to lose their grip after looking so assured before the interval. They kept firm control, spraying the ball around with aplomb, and their goal - Tudor deflecting a Zinedine Zidane free-kick into his own net - could have been added to by the break.

Santini dilemmas
But whatever Baric said at half-time certainly galvanised his players. For 20 minutes, they gave constant glimpses of their undoubted potential, and France suddenly looked vulnerable and flustered. In the end, Trezeguet dragged France out of the mire, but Santini still has a number of questions to answer ahead of his side's final group game against Switzerland on Monday.

Defensive doubts
France still have the vibrancy of old going forward - Thierry Henry was his usual constant menace with his pace and skill - but their rearguard occasionally showed signs of wear and tear. Silvestre gave away his second penalty of the tournament, and Marcel Desailly was strangely inert in being unable to prevent Pršo from giving Croatia a sensational lead.

Swiss success
Santini was clear in his side's aim for their Swiss test, however, with a victory sure to send France through to the last eight as group winners. "We must now have a good result against the Swiss," he said. "We are obliged to beat them now."