France secured a dramatic victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, advancing to the semi-finals after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at the Stade de France. In a night of high drama, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise stepped up when it mattered most, overshadowing star forward Kylian Mbappe, who struggled to make an impact.
The match started with France pressing aggressively, eager to overturn their 2-0 first-leg deficit. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 52nd minute when Michael Olise showcased his finesse with a stunning 20-yard free-kick that curled into the net. With time running out, France continued to push for an equalizer on aggregate, and their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Ousmane Dembele slotted home a well-taken finish. Despite several French attacks in extra time, Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic put in a heroic performance, keeping the score level and forcing the game into a penalty shootout. Ultimately, it was Dayot Upamecano who sealed the 5-4 shootout win for France, igniting wild celebrations among the home fans.
For France, this victory was more than just progression to the next round—it was a statement. Despite possessing one of the most talented squads in international football, the team has often fallen short of expectations. The first-leg loss in Croatia had raised concerns, but their spirited comeback in Paris proved their resilience and determination. With Didier Deschamps approaching the final stretch of his tenure as France’s head coach, moments like these could boost his team’s confidence as they aim for glory in the 2026 World Cup.
France’s triumph adds another chapter to their Nations League journey. Having previously won the competition in 2021 by defeating Spain in the final, they now set their sights on reclaiming the title. Portugal and Spain remain strong contenders, with Spain being the reigning champions. As the tournament progresses, the battle for supremacy in European football is heating up.
Up next, France will take on Spain in the semi-finals at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on June 5. With a place in the final at stake, Les Bleus will need to deliver another strong performance to keep their Nations League dreams alive. Should they emerge victorious, they will face either Portugal or Germany in the final showdown for the prestigious trophy.
