France Edge Croatia on Penalties to Secure Nations League Semi-Final Spot
France booked their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Croatia in Paris. The match saw Les Bleus overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, thanks to an inspired second-half performance. Michael Olise sparked the comeback with a stunning free-kick just seven minutes after the break, cutting Croatia’s aggregate lead in half. The Bayern Munich star continued to be the difference-maker, providing a pinpoint assist for Ousmane Dembele, whose well-timed first-time strike leveled the tie and forced extra time. With tensions high, France continued to push for a winning goal, with Kylian Mbappe coming close on multiple occasions, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a heroic display to keep the French captain at bay.
As the game remained deadlocked, the match was decided from the penalty spot, where France goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero. The AC Milan shot-stopper saved two crucial penalties, shifting the momentum in France’s favor. With the pressure on, Dayot Upamecano stepped up and calmly slotted home the decisive spot-kick, sealing a remarkable comeback for Didier Deschamps’ men. Croatia, who had initially looked in control after their first-leg victory, struggled to contain France’s attacking intensity in the second half. Despite Livakovic’s best efforts, Croatia fell short in the shootout, dashing their hopes of reaching the final four.
With this victory, France now advances to face Spain in what promises to be an electrifying semi-final encounter. The result also marks a significant boost for Deschamps’ squad, who have been searching for consistency following their 2022 World Cup final heartbreak. Meanwhile, Croatia will shift focus to their World Cup qualifying campaign, looking to regroup after a painful exit. With the Nations League semi-finals now set, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a clash of titans as Europe’s best teams battle for glory.
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