France can no longer successfully defend their Nations League crown after Monday's 1-0 home defeat to Croatia left the finals beyond their reach.
Didier Deschamps' side had flattered to deceive in their first three matches this month, losing once and drawing the other two, and they were no better against a stubborn Croatia at the Stade de France.
They proved to be their own worst enemy with a needless early penalty concession that Luka Modri? took full advantage of five minutes in.
The hosts' performance was full of bluster but lacked subtlety, with clear-cut chances difficult to come by on another disappointing day for the reigning world champions.
Ibrahima Konaté was the guilty party for the penalty as the Liverpool defender clumsily tripped Ante Budimir and, after a long VAR review, Modri? just about squeezed his kick past Mike Maignan.
The game became frantic as Les Bleus desperately searched for a leveller, but Ivica Ivu?i? was not forced into a meaningful save until early in the second half when substitute Aurélien Tchouaméni shot straight at the goalkeeper.
It was a sign of renewed purpose, however, and Kylian Mbappé saw a 30-yard strike go agonisingly wide a few moments later.
Yet, Croatia ended up creating the better chances in the closing stages, with Lovro Majer and Nikola Vla?i? forcing saves from Maignan as the visitors gained a measure of revenge for their 2018 World Cup final loss.
