In a thrilling rematch of the 2018 World Cup final, France once again got the better of Croatia, keeping their dream of UEFA Nations League glory alive. With a dominant attacking display, Les Bleus overturned the 2-0 defeat from the first leg and won 5-4 on penalties this Sunday (23rd) in Paris.
Olise and Dembélé Lead the Comeback
After a goalless first half, it was Michael Olise, the Bayern Munich forward, who made the difference. Coming off the bench, he scored the opener and later provided the assist for Ousmane Dembélé, the Paris Saint-Germain star, who calmly slotted home France’s second.
Despite recording a staggering 28 shots to Croatia’s five, the French side couldn’t find the winner in regular time, and the match went to a dramatic penalty shootout.
Maignan the Hero in the Shootout
The standout in the shootout was Mike Maignan. The AC Milan goalkeeper denied Baturina right at the start and, after misses from Koundé and Theo Hernández, came up big again by saving Stanisic’s effort during sudden death.
With nerves of steel and quality between the posts, Maignan’s heroics ensured France booked their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Spain — who also advanced via penalties after a dramatic clash with the Netherlands.
That semi-final clash promises to be a true blockbuster and is scheduled for 5 June, with a spot in the grand final at stake. On the other side of the bracket, Germany and Portugal will battle for the other place in the final.
