France staged a dramatic comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and qualify for the Nations League Final Four, eliminating Croatia 5-4 on penalties after a 2-0 victory in the second leg of their quarter-final at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Dayot Upamecano struck the decisive penalty in a nerve-wracking shootout, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerging as the hero after saving two spot-kicks. Les Bleus will now face Spain in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of another international trophy.
After a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Split last Thursday, France came out determined, dominating the match from the start. Michael Olise put the hosts ahead with a stunning free kick in the 52nd minute, and Ousmane Dembele doubled the lead 10 minutes from time, forcing extra time with a 2-2 aggregate score.
Les Bleus were relentless, producing 22 attempts on goal while preventing Croatia from registering a single shot on target in 120 minutes. With Kylian Mbappe urging the crowd for support, the French attack continuously pressured the Croatian defense. Substitute Desire Doue came close twice in extra time, while Mbappe himself was denied by a superb save from Dominik Livakovic.
The game ultimately went to penalties, where Maignan’s brilliance proved decisive. The French keeper saved efforts from Martin Baturina and Josip Stanisic, while Franjo Ivanovic sent his shot over the bar. Although Theo Hernandez and Jules Kounde missed for France, successful conversions from Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Randal Kolo Muani, Desire Doue, and Upamecano sealed the victory.
“We got up this morning with the idea that it could be a great night,” said Mbappe. “We were convinced we could do it, and we needed a game like this to bring our fans back with us.”
Meanwhile, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic admitted frustration over his team’s performance. “It was really hard for us; we couldn’t replicate our display from Split. We gave everything.”
France’s commanding display, coupled with their composure in the shootout, sends them into a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against Spain as they continue their quest for Nations League glory.
