Nations League quarter-finals: France beat Croatia on penalties to reach finals
France vs Croatia
Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé propelled France to a 2-0 victory on the night, a result that leveled the aggregate score at 2-2 and sent the tie into a nail-biting penalty shoot-out that would determine their fate in the Nations League quarter-finals. The match, hosted on French soil, was a testament to the resilience and attacking flair of Didier Deschamps’ side, who had come into the game trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Split. Deschamps, acutely aware of the need for a response, rang the changes with five alterations to the starting lineup, a bold move that signaled his intent to turn the tide against a stubborn Croatian outfit. The rotated side wasted no time in asserting themselves, taking the game to their opponents from the opening whistle. Just three minutes in, Manu Koné offered an early warning sign, rising to meet a pinpoint cross from Dembélé with a powerful header that sailed just over the crossbar. It was a moment that set the tone for France’s performance—aggressive, purposeful, and brimming with intent—yet it also hinted at the challenge they would face in converting their dominance into goals. Croatia, battle-hardened and defensively astute, limited France’s clear sightings of goal, forcing the hosts to work tirelessly for every opportunity in a first half that promised much but delivered little in terms of tangible reward.
France’s persistence in attack was evident throughout the opening period, as they carved out a series of chances that tested Croatia’s resolve without truly breaching their defenses. Kylian Mbappé, ever the talisman, came close with an athletic turn in the box that ended with a shot whistling wide of Dominik Livaković’s goal, a miss that drew groans from the home crowd but underscored the threat he posed. Aurélien Tchouaméni, meanwhile, rose highest to meet a corner but could only direct his header over the bar, another near-miss in a half where France controlled possession and dictated the tempo yet struggled to find the clinical edge their play deserved. Croatia, content to soak up pressure and hit on the break, offered little in the way of attacking ambition, their focus firmly on protecting the two-goal cushion they had earned in the first leg. It wasn’t until the 38th minute that Livaković was truly called into action, and the Croatian goalkeeper rose to the occasion with an outstanding save. Bradley Barcola, latching onto a superbly weighted pass from Michael Olise, seemed certain to score, only for Livaković to thrust out a leg and deflect the effort away in a moment of brilliance that kept the scoreline intact. The save was a lifeline for Croatia, preserving their aggregate lead and sending a message that France would need something special to break through a defense that had weathered the storm with discipline and determination.
The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the interval, as France’s relentless pressure paid dividends with a moment of set-piece magic from Michael Olise. Awarded a free-kick just outside the Croatia penalty area, Olise stepped up and delivered a masterclass in precision, curling the ball over the wall and beyond the despairing dive of Livaković. The strike, a thing of beauty, reduced the deficit to one goal on aggregate and sent a surge of belief through the French ranks, the crowd erupting as the tie suddenly felt within reach. The goal was a reward for France’s patience and a reflection of Olise’s growing influence, his ability to produce in clutch moments proving invaluable. Spurred on by the lifeline, France pushed forward with renewed vigor, Mbappé going agonizingly close to leveling the tie with a fierce strike that flashed narrowly wide of the post. The near-miss only heightened the tension, as Croatia’s defense began to creak under the weight of France’s attacking waves. With ten minutes of normal time remaining, the hosts struck again, this time with Olise turning creator. Cutting the ball back from the right, he found Dembélé in space, and the winger made no mistake, striking it first time with venom to send the ball rocketing past Livaković and leveling the tie at 2-2 on aggregate. The stadium exploded, the noise a deafening roar as France completed their comeback, erasing the memory of their first-leg defeat and setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to a match that had swung firmly in their favor.
Extra time brought no respite from the intensity, as both sides traded blows in a bid to avoid the lottery of penalties, but it was Livaković who emerged as Croatia’s hero once more, thwarting France’s attempts to snatch a winner. Désiré Doué, introduced as a substitute, saw a fine effort clawed away by the goalkeeper’s outstretched hand, while Mbappé, relentless in his pursuit of a decisive goal, was denied by another superb stop. Croatia, for their part, offered sporadic threats on the counter but couldn’t find the cutting edge to restore their lead, their energy sapped by France’s relentless pressure. As the additional 30 minutes ticked away without a breakthrough, the inevitability of a shoot-out loomed large, the players visibly exhausted yet steeling themselves for one final test of nerve. The penalty shoot-out unfolded with all the drama the night deserved, a seesaw battle that kept the outcome in doubt until the very end. Mike Maignan proved to be France’s savior, diving to his right to save Martin Baturina’s effort and then repeating the feat to deny Josip Stanišić, his heroics giving France the edge. With the score poised at 4-4, Dayot Upamecano stepped up and coolly converted France’s final penalty, sealing a 5-4 victory that sparked wild celebrations and secured their place in the final four. It was a fitting climax to a match that had showcased France’s resilience, their ability to recover from a two-goal deficit a testament to Deschamps’ tactical acumen and the squad’s depth.
The victory was a statement of intent from France, a team that had stared elimination in the face only to emerge triumphant through a blend of individual brilliance and collective resolve. Olise’s goal and assist, Dembélé’s clinical finish, and Maignan’s shoot-out heroics were the defining moments, but the win was built on a foundation of dominance that Croatia struggled to contain. Livaković’s performance had kept his side in contention, his string of saves a reminder of Croatia’s quality, but even he couldn’t deny France their destiny on a night where they refused to be beaten. The tie, one of four Nations League quarter-finals to go the distance, underscored the competition’s unpredictability, and France’s progression ensured they remained in the hunt for silverware. For Deschamps, the rotated lineup had delivered when it mattered most, silencing doubters and proving that his side could adapt and overcome adversity. As the players embraced and the fans sang into the night, France could look ahead to the semi-finals with confidence, their comeback complete and their ambitions firmly intact in a tournament that continues to captivate with its relentless drama.
