In an electrifying comeback, the French national team overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Croatia 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the UEFA League of Nations held on March 23, 2025, at the Stade de France. After facing a heavy 2-0 defeat in the first leg, France needed to score two goals to have any chance of progressing to the Final Four.
The atmosphere was electric as a crowd of 80,000 spectators gathered to witness the pivotal match. Before kickoff, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading scorer, whose presence and achievements have left a lasting mark on the team. The fans celebrated Giroud, who has scored 57 goals for France, acknowledging his contributions with warmth and admiration.
With the weight of expectations on their shoulders, the French players entered the pitch determined to erase the deficit. It was Michael Olise who opened the scoring for France in the 52nd minute. After winning a free-kick just outside the box, Olise stepped up to take the shot. In a remarkable display, he curled the ball past the wall and into the back of the net, providing the spark his team desperately needed. This goal was especially significant as it marked Olise's first-ever goal for the national team.
As the match progressed, tensions escalated, with Croatia looking to consolidate their lead. However, France pressed forward, and their relentless efforts paid off when Ousmane Dembélé netted the equalizer in the 80th minute. Following a clever one-two pass with Mbappé, Olise delivered a precise pass to Dembélé, who slotted the ball home with a right-footed shot that sneaked between the legs of Croatian defender Duje Ćaleta-Car. This goal leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, forcing the match into extra time.
Extra time was fraught with emotion as both teams fought hard for supremacy. Despite several close attempts, neither side could score, resulting in a dramatic penalty shootout. Mike Maignan, France's goalkeeper, emerged as the hero of the day. He exhibited stellar composure under pressure, making crucial saves that turned the tide in favor of France. His efforts in the shootout were highlighted as he consistently thwarted Croatia's attempts, earning an impressive score of 9 for his overall performance in the match.
However, it wasn’t without its share of struggles for the French players. Jules Koundé had a tumultuous match, receiving a score of just 5 after missing a penalty during the shootout—his ineffectiveness under scrutiny after a lackluster performance marked by difficulties in defense. Other players, such as Dayot Upamecano, shone brightly; he received an 8 for his energetic contributions, safeguarding the defense and maintaining pressure on Croatia’s attackers.
Ultimately, as the shootout unfolded, the tension in the stadium was palpable. The French side stood collectively, holding their breath as the last penalties were taken. Despite some missed attempts, France secured the victory, progressing to the finals against either Spain or the Netherlands, thrilling their fans.
Reflecting on the match, coach Didier Deschamps was proud of his players ' resilience and determination. His strategy paid off, particularly the decision to include Olise, who proved pivotal both in scoring and assisting. Deschamps, who showcased emotions throughout the encounter, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance under pressure.
The match not only highlighted the depth of talent in the French squad but also exemplified the team's fighting spirit. They rose from the ashes of doubt, delivering a performance that wrought a magical comeback reminiscent of their previous historic match against Ukraine in November 2013, when they similarly turned around a two-goal deficit.
As fans left the Stade de France, this heart-pounding match against Croatia would surely linger in their memories, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of football. With their eyes set on the finals of the League of Nations, France's triumph served as a reminder of their capacity to perform under pressure, and the nation eagerly anticipates what the next chapter holds for its team.
