On March 23, 2025, France triumphed over Croatia in a thrilling quarter-final match of the UEFA Nations League at Stade de France, sealing their place in the semi-finals through a dramatic penalty shootout.
After losing the first leg 2-0, the French team, led by coach Didier Deschamps, dominated the second leg, battling back to tie the aggregate score at 2-2 with a 2-0 victory. Michael Olise got the scoring underway with a brilliant free kick in the 52nd minute that nestled into the top corner, catching Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic off guard. This was Olise's first goal for the national team, a significant milestone in his burgeoning international career.
As the match continued, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the French lead at the 80-minute mark, finishing off a beautiful team effort set up by Olise. France's hopes were bolstered as they equalized the aggregate score, necessitating extra time and, ultimately, a penalty shootout.
The extra period was tense, with both teams striving to seize control. Notably, Kylian Mbappé had a near miss when his powerful shot was well saved by Livakovic just before the 120-minute mark, highlighting Croatia's defensive resilience. Throughout the match, France's attempts to secure a third goal were persistent, yet they were thwarted by a combination of Croatian defense and crucial saves by Livakovic.
When the shootout commenced, it was packed with pressure. The sequence of penalties began with Kylian Mbappé giving France an early advantage, converting successfully. However, the tension escalated when Croatian defender Franjo Ivanovic failed to score, sending his shot high into the stands, keeping the score at 1-0 for France.
Throughout the shootout, goalkeeper Mike Maignan became a hero for France, making critical saves, including a stop against Stanisic. As the shootout progressed, Dayot Upamecano emerged as the player to send France through, scoring the decisive penalty and sealing the tie at 5-4 in the shootout.
Maignan's two key saves and Upamecano's precise final kick not only secured France's advancement to the semi-finals but also showcased the team's spirit and determination following their earlier deficit. With this victory, France is set to meet Spain in the semi-finals on June 5, 2025.
France's thrilling journey continues as they seek redemption and aim for the UEFA Nations League trophy. This was a remarkable match that highlighted the skill, perseverance, and teamwork of the French squad, with Michael Olise centrally featured in their resurgence.
With their recent success in penalty shootouts, which has seen them overcoming several crucial matches, the team is beginning to shake off any past maledictions associated with this nerve-wracking aspect of football. The excitement builds as they prepare for the semi-final clash, where they aim to keep up their momentum and further cement their place in football history.
The narrative of this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where determination and skill blend to create unforgettable moments.
