France overcomes resolute Croatia in penalty shootout to progress in Nations League

France staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Nations League (UNL) quarter-final against Croatia, ultimately triumphing in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Following a disappointing first-leg loss in Split, Didier Deschamps’ squad was aware that a strong performance was crucial in Paris against a Croatian team that had stumbled in two of their previous three UNL matches.

Les Bleus took some time to find their rhythm, with their first real chance coming in the 17th minute. Michael Olise’s curling corner was met by Aurelien Tchouameni at the near post, but the Real Madrid midfielder’s delicate header narrowly missed the far post.

After that initial opportunity, Croatia showcased a resolute defensive display, limiting the hosts to few clear chances for the remainder of the half.

The only glimpse of a goal in the first half arrived in the 39th minute when Olise played Bradley Barcola through. However, the PSG forward’s efforts were thwarted by the commanding presence of Dominik Livakovic, leading to a half-time interval characterised by a lack of action, with Croatia failing to register a single shot on target.

All the frustrations of the first half were soon forgotten when France broke the deadlock just seven minutes into the second half. Olise, instrumental for Les Bleus, executed a stunning free-kick that soared over the Croatian wall, leaving Livakovic helpless as he watched the ball sail into the net.

With Croatia’s aggregate lead now reduced to a single goal, Zlatko Dalic’s side withdrew defensively, allowing an intense push from the French, who equalised the tie in the 80th minute.

Once again, Olise was central to the action, receiving the ball from Kylian Mbappe on the right flank before Mbappe cut it back for Ousmane Dembélé, who finished effortlessly into the net.

Despite dominating play, France couldn’t secure a third goal before the regulation time ended, and Croatia managed to avoid testing Mike Maignan, thereby taking the match to extra time. Even during the additional half-hour, France continued to assert control but found it challenging to carve out clear scoring chances, as Croatia, much like in regular time, struggled to make an impact.

Mbappe came close with a fantastic volley but was once again denied by Livaković at the near post, ensuring that the match would be decided by penalties. The first miss came from Croatia, with Maignan saving Martin Baturina’s attempt. Following this, Franjo Ivanovic also succumbed from the penalty spot, leaving the visitors in a precarious position.

Despite this, France also stumbled as Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez both misfired their penalties, pushing the shootout into sudden death. However, Maignan proved his mettle once more, denying Josip Stanisic’s shot and allowing Dayot Upamecano to step up and clinch the win, propelling Les Bleus into the semi-finals.