France beat Croatia on penalties to book semi-final spot

France emerged victorious on penalties to seal their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals against Spain after a 2-0 win over Croatia in Paris.

Michael Olise ignited the turnaround with a stunning free-kick just seven minutes into the second half, halving Croatia's aggregate lead after their 2-0 victory in the first leg. The Bayern Munich star then delivered an assist to the in-form Ousmane Dembele, whose first-time finish forced the tie into extra time.

Kylian Mbappe came closest to breaking the deadlock but was thrice denied by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, ensuring the French star’s eight-month wait for an international goal continued.

But it was Livakovic’s counterpart Mike Maignan who proved the hero in the shoot-out, with the AC Milan stopper saving two penalties, paving the way for Dayot Upamecano to strike the decisive spot-kick.