INTERNATIONAL

• Halftime report Croatia vs. France

  
  

  Leiria, Portugal (Sports Network) - France has a 1-0 lead at the half after they received a fortunate break when Croatia accidently put the ball in its own net during a Group B match at Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa Stadium.

  A questionable foul call on Croatia in the 22nd minute set up the only goal of the first half. French midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who scored twice in a dramatic come-from-behind win over England on Sunday, stepped up to a free kick to the left of the area and sent a cross towards the middle. Mikael Silvestre cut through the area was marked tightly by Croatian defender Igor Tudor. The ball bounced off the back of Tudor's leg and into the net for an own goal that put Croatia in a 1-0 deficit.

  France controlled the first 45 minutes of action, spending most of the time in the Croatian end of the field. Even when the Croats possessed the ball they were unable to produce any quality scoring chances, allowing French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez to exert little energy in the first half.

  The Les Bleus would advance into the quarterfinals if they are able to hold onto the lead. France currently has three points after the win over England, which also has three points after defeating Switzerland earlier Thursday.

  Switzerland and Croatia each have one point after they played to a scoreless draw several days back. That result was disappointing for Croatia as they were unable to capitalize on a man advantage for over 40 minutes in the second half against the Swiss.

  Even if Croatia is unable to overcome the halftime deficit to the powerful French squad, they still could advance with a win over England in its final Group B match on Monday.

  06/17 15:42:57 ET