In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France on Sunday, March 23, 2025, France overcame Croatia in a nail-biting penalty shootout after leveling the aggregate score in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. The match ended with a 2-0 victory for France, which coupled with their prior 2-0 defeat in the first leg, ensured a 5-4 win on penalties. This victory propelled Les Bleus into the Final Four, where they will face Spain.
The match commenced with France exhibiting an aggressive front, eager to rectify their earlier loss in Croatia just days prior. Michael Olise opened the scoring for the French side in the 52nd minute, curling a remarkable free kick under the crossbar. Ousmane Dembele doubled the lead ten minutes later, guiding a shot into the net from Olise's cutback pass, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2 and pushing the match into extra time.
The pressure intensified during the ensuing penalty shootout, a high-stakes scenario that had fans on the edge of their seats. France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero, executing two brilliant saves against Martin Baturina and Josip Stanisic, while Franjo Ivanovic also failed to score from the spot. France's Dayot Upamecano ultimately secured the win by converting the final penalty kick.
After the match, an exuberant Desire Doue, making his debut for the national team, expressed his joy and relief, stating, "I feel very, very good. I'm especially happy with the victory and our qualification for the Final Four. We showed a great performance tonight and I also thank the supporters." He also reflected on the significance of scoring during the shootout, saying, "The penalty is a technical gesture and you have to try to take it the best you can. It worked out today. That’s great."
Kylian Mbappe echoed these sentiments post-match, saying, "We got up this morning with the idea it could be a great night. We were convinced we were going to do it; we needed a game like this to get our fans back with us."
France's dominance was evident throughout the match, registering an impressive 22 attempts on goal compared to Croatia, which managed zero shots on target in the entire 120 minutes. The French strategy of pressing high and playing confidently bore fruit after a rocky first leg; their improved performance this time around was marked by a fluid attacking style and persistent pressure on their opponents.
During the first leg of the quarterfinal played in Split on March 20, France faced an uphill battle, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat which had cast doubts on their ability to progress. Nevertheless, this encounter witnessed a transformed French side, as they came out with renewed vigor, determined to secure a place among Europe's elite.
The match was intense and marked by France's steady buildup of chances, offset by Croatia's efforts to contain the French assault. Despite the Croatian defense holding firm early on, they could not withstand the mounting pressure from Les Bleus. The flush of success invigorated the French players, and they looked hungry for goal.
France's resilience shone through as they turned the tide, keeping their cool under pressure in the shootout. Each player stepped up, demonstrating composure, as Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Randal Kolo Muani, and Desire Doue also nailed their penalty kicks, overshadowing the misses from Theo Hernandez and Jules Kounde. The collective efforts delivered a gratifying moment for French football, with the team's hard work culminating in a well-deserved advancement to the semi-finals.
Croatia, despite the disappointing exit, put up a commendable fight, with coach Zlatko Dalic remarking post-match, "It was really hard for us; we could not do what we did in Split. We gave everything." The Croatian side exhibited tenacity, but it was France who shone brighter on the night, illustrating their potential as a formidable force in European football.
The upcoming semi-final clash against Spain promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams aiming for glory in the prestigious Nations League. France's journey to this point was not without its challenges, but the resilience showcased in this match could lay the groundwork for a successful campaign.
As the echoes of the jubilant crowd lingered in the air at Stade de France, it was evident that this victory marks not just a step forward in a tournament, but also a reaffirmation of French football's prowess on the international stage.
