France produced a stunning comeback to eliminate Croatia from the Nations League quarterfinals, winning a penalty shootout thriller 5-4 after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate. Didier Deschamps‘ side trailed 2-0 from the first leg but dominated the second leg at the Stade de France, scoring twice to take the tie to extra time.
The hosts finally made the breakthrough in the 52nd minute when Michael Olise whipped a 25-yard free-kick over the Croatia wall. Despite sustained pressure from France, Croatia was 10 minutes away from progressing before the hosts got a deserved second goal through Ousmane Dembele.
The tie went to extra time, with France continuing to dominate. Kylian Mbappe had three chances to win it, but was repeatedly denied by the impressive Dominik Livakovic. The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, where France goalkeeper Mike Maignan proved to be the hero.
Maignan saved Martin Baturina’s first penalty and Franjo Ivanovic shot over as France took the advantage. However, Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez both missed as it went to sudden death. Maignan again saved, this time from Josip Stanisic, and France defender Dayot Upamecano held his nerve to score the decisive spot-kick.
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France’s victory sets up a semifinal clash with Spain in June. The win also means that France will go into World Cup Qualifying Group D along with Azerbaijan, Iceland, and Ukraine. Croatia, on the other hand, will be in Group L with the Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, and Montenegro.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances. However, France’s dominance eventually paid off, and they deservedly progressed to the semifinals.
Croatia can take pride in their performance, particularly the impressive Livakovic. However, they will be disappointed to have come so close to progressing, only to fall short in the penalty shootout.
