Twitter explodes as reigning champions France crash out of UEFA Nations League with defeat to Croatia

Several fans have been taken by surprise at France being knocked out of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League following their 1-0 defeat to Croatia on June 13.

The current Nations League holders have had a dismal campaign thus far, which has seen them fail to win any of their three prior fixtures. Les Blues lost to Denmark and drew with Croatia and Austria, and tonight suffered another defeat - this time to Luka Modric's side.

Modric struck for Vatreni with a fifth-minute penalty after a controversial foul by Presnel Kimpembe on Ante Budimir.

France grew increasingly frustrated throughout the first-half, failing to get a foothold in the game. Karim Benzema had a rare poor outing, unable to make much of a difference throughout what was a night to forget for Didier Deschamps' side.

The defeat means France now sit bottom of League 1 Group A with just two points. If they remain at the bottom of their group after their remaining matches in September, they will be relegated from the league.

Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter following the surprising defeat to Croatia:

Deschamps' side next host Austria at the Stade de France on September 23 and will be under huge pressure to finally record a win.

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A bad night at the office for France striker Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema was not at his best against Croatia

Karim Benzema is the frontrunner for the 2022 Ballon d'Or following a monumental season for Real Madrid. The 34-year-old has been in remarkable goalscoring form, scoring 44 goals in 46 appearances across competitions.

He finished the season as the top scorer in both the UEFA Champions League (15 goals) and La Liga (27 goals) with Madrid, winning both competitions.

However, the veteran forward was a shadow of his usual best in tonight's loss to Croatia. He was unable to make a real impact alongside Kylian Mbappe up-front. He lost possession eight times, couldn't complete any of his two attempted dribbles and had just one off-target shot.

Many fans are concerned that he is more of a hindrance to the French national side than a positive.

The amount of game time Benzema has experienced this season may be taking its toll on the 34-year-old.

Didier Deschamps is also feeling the heat with many questioning his team selection. He played the likes of Jules Kounde at right-back and Adrien Rabiot on the wing.

The holders of the Nations League have bowed out of the competition in demoralizing fashion and questions will be asked about their World Cup chances.