MATCH 12 REVIEW : FLUCTUATING FORTUNES FOR FRANCE

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."

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