France eliminates Croatia on penalties and advances in the Nations League
Goals from Olise and Dembélé do not prevent extra time and penalties; Maignan saves two shots and guarantees a place in the semi-finals
Cardiac test
There was no shortage of excitement as France defeated Croatia in the Nations League. Olise and Dembélé scored in regular time, overcoming the 2-0 deficit in the first leg. After a goalless extra time, but with brilliant goalkeeper Livakovic, the match went to penalties. The one who stood out in the penalty shootout was Frenchman Maignan, who saved two.
With a 5-4 victory on penalties, Didier Deschamps’ team advances to the semi-finals to face Spain.
First half without goals
France tried, tried and tried some more, but were unable to open the scoring against Croatia. Needing to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg, the home side controlled possession and had multiple chances – notably the performances of Olise, Dembélé and Mbappé in the first half – but were unable to break the deadlock. Croatia, on the other hand, did not threaten Maignan.
France scores but fails to avoid extra time
The goals that France lacked in the first half came in the second half. Six minutes in, Olise took advantage of a foul to shoot over the wall. Livakovic didn’t even move and just watched the ball go into his goal.
Almost 30 minutes later, the number 11 appeared again – but in an exchange of passes with Mbappé, who passed to Dembélé to finish in the corner opposite the Croatia goalkeeper. The two-goal victory was not enough for France, who had lost the first leg 2-0, and the match went into extra time.
Livakovic tries to save Croatia
Extra time was the highlight of Croatia’s goalkeeper Livakovic. In the first few minutes, he made two great saves from shots by Doué, who was responsible for the most dangerous chances in the first half of extra time.
In the second half, the goalkeeper shone again, this time stopping attempts by Mbappé. Despite the physical fatigue on both sides, France continued to press – and Livakovic ensured that the match went to penalties.
Maignan saves two, and France advances
Croatia took the first kick and Maignan saved Baturina’s shot. Mbappé, Moro and Tchouaméni converted before Ivanovic scored at the Stade de France to extend France’s lead. Koundé then sent a shot wide.
Pasalic, Kolo Muani and Jakic scored. When it came to the decisive penalty, Theo Hernández missed and forced alternate shots. Caleta-Car scored, as did Doué, but Maignan shone again and saved Stanisic’s penalty.
Upamecano scored and gave the final numbers to France’s qualification, with a 5-4 victory over Croatia on penalties
And now?
In search of its second Nations League title, France will face Spain – current champion and rival in France’s first title in the tournament, in 2020/2021 – in the semifinal. The duel will be on Thursday, June 5th. In the other semifinal, Germany and Portugal will face each other in search of the first spot in the final, at 3:45 pm on June 4th.
