Croatia's quest for glory in the UEFA Nations League met a heartbreaking end on March 24, 2025, when they faced France in the second leg of their quarterfinal match at Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Despite a 2-0 victory in the first leg, Croatia was unable to secure their ticket to the semifinals after losing 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Crucially, Croatia's coach Zlatko Dalic had set the scene prior to the match, emphasizing their position as perennial underdogs in international football. "We were always underdogs. But we won three medals in the past 6 years," he stated, reflecting on Croatia's remarkable performances in recent tournaments, including their runner-up finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The first half of the match saw Croatia maintaining a strong defensive line, successfully staving off several attacks from the French side, which was desperate to overturn their first leg deficit. France entered the second half with renewed vigor, needing to score to stay in the competition.
Just minutes into the second half, in the 52nd minute, Michael Olise ignited the French attack with an extraordinary left-footed free kick that soared just beneath the crossbar, leveling the aggregate score at 2-1. This pivotal moment was a promise of an exhilarating comeback.
As the match progressed, France continued to apply high pressure, with Kylian Mbappe at the forefront of their offensive push. In the 75th minute, Mbappe, showcasing his agility and finesse, launched a right-footed shot from inside the box that just skimmed past the goal post, clearly indicating France’s offensive intent.
The 80th minute saw a speedy interplay between Olise and Mbappe, as Olise crossed the ball perfectly for Ousmane Dembele, who found the back of the net, tying the aggregate score at 2-2. With both teams equally poised on the scoreboard, the match shifted into extra time.
Despite the tension as both sides battled for supremacy, neither team found a route to further goal in the additional 30 minutes of play, which led to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Under the immense pressure of the moment, the results of the previous 90 minutes seemed to fade away as Croatia’s Josip Stanisic faced the penalty spot for their crucial sixth shot.
Stanisic's attempt failed to find the net, allowing France’s Dayot Upamecano to calmly secure victory with a precise shot. This success not only pushed France into the semifinals to face Spain but also highlighted an emotional letdown for Croatia, who had been riding high after their first leg win, and believed they could proceed to the next stage.
In a match where Croatia started with the upper hand, the reversal of fortune was evident. France's fierce determination to regain control of the match could be felt across the pitch, ultimately capitalizing on Croatia's tense moment in the shootout.
This defeat was not just a pivotal moment for Croatia; it was a testament to the unpredictable nature of knockout football, where even a single moment can shift the trajectory of a team's hopes. As the Croatian squad reflects on their journey in this year's UEFA Nations League, they can take solace in their past achievements and the lessons learned through hard-fought matches.
With such a competitive spirit, Croatia will surely be aiming for brighter prospects in future tournaments, while France continues to build on their strong performances, invigorated by their advance to the semifinals.
