France progressed to the semi-finals of the Nations League after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Croatia at the Stade de France on March 23, 2025. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Les Bleus mounted a resilient comeback with two second-half goals, leveling the aggregate score before sealing their advancement through penalties.
Following a disappointing loss in Croatia just days earlier, coach Didier Deschamps adjusted his lineup significantly, making five changes to reinvigorate the squad. The move proved fruitful, as France sought control from the onset of the match. William Saliba missed an early goal opportunity with a header from Ousmane Dembélé’s cross, while Kylian Mbappé also failed to capitalize on a chance, shooting wide from close range.
In the 52nd minute, Michael Olise broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick that curled beautifully into the top right corner, giving France the momentum they desperately needed. Continued pressure was evident, with Aurelien Tchouameni sending another header past the post and Olise stirring anticipation for more goals. Just as the clock approached the final ten minutes, Dembélé finished a well-placed cross from Olise, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2.
As the match swung into extra time, both teams had chances to snatch victory. Desire Doue’s long-range effort was saved, and Mbappé confronted goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in a one-on-one, yet the match remained tied. A penalty shoot-out was necessitated to determine who would advance to the semi-finals.
The shoot-out was dramatic, with France initially gaining the advantage when goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved two attempts from Croatia’s Martin Baturina and Josip Stanisic. Despite this, frustration for France emerged as Jules Kounde and Franjo Ivanovic missed their penalties, keeping Croatia in the contest.
In a twist of fate, Dayot Upamecano held his nerve against Livakovic, scoring the decisive fifth penalty, confirming France’s passage to the next round. The victory highlighted a spirited comeback and delivered a collective sigh of relief for the French squad, along with a renewed sense of hope heading into their next challenge.
Having secured their spot in the semifinals, France is set to face Spain on June 5, 2025, in Stuttgart. Both teams are vying for a place in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, and France’s journey now turns toward preparation for World Cup qualifiers starting in September against Ukraine and Iceland. With the end of the Nations League approaching, this match against Spain represents a crucial step in cementing France’s position among Europe’s football elite.
The tension during the shoot-out underscored the unpredictability of football, showcasing how quickly fortunes can change. As France celebrated, it was evident that this victory would be a defining moment in their campaign, marking not only a pivotal match in the Nations League but also a crucial moment leading up to the World Cup.
As Didier Deschamps’ team looks ahead, the players can take encouragement from their resilience demonstrated during the match against Croatia. With this win, hopes remain high that they can continue their run in the Nations League and make a significant impact in the upcoming international fixtures.
