Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele Spark Comeback, While Mike Maignan Shines as Shootout Hero
France secured a dramatic victory on penalties to book their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, overcoming Croatia in a nail-biting encounter in Paris. After a 2-0 win on the night leveled the aggregate score, it was goalkeeper Mike Maignan who emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to set the stage for Dayot Upamecano’s decisive penalty.
The match began with Croatia holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, but France quickly turned the tide in the second half. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise ignited the comeback with a breathtaking free-kick just seven minutes after the break, halving the deficit and electrifying the home crowd. Olise then turned provider, delivering a pinpoint pass to Ousmane Dembele, who coolly slotted home to force the tie into extra time.
Kylian Mbappe, France’s talismanic forward, came agonizingly close to ending his eight-month international goal drought, but Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic was in inspired form, denying the Paris Saint-Germain star on three separate occasions.
With the score still deadlocked after extra time, the match went to penalties, where Maignan stole the show. The AC Milan goalkeeper made two crucial saves, setting the stage for Upamecano to calmly convert the winning penalty and send France through to face Spain in the semi-finals.
The victory not only keeps France’s Nations League dreams alive but also showcases the depth and resilience of Didier Deschamps’ squad. As the celebrations begin in Paris, all eyes now turn to the semi-final clash, where Les Bleus will aim to continue their quest for silverware.
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