France secured a spot in the Nations League semi-finals by overcoming Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout after trailing 2-0 in the first leg. Didier Deschamps' team rallied back, with Michael Olise scoring early in the second half and Ousmane Dembele equalizing late to push the game into extra time. Despite missed penalties, goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero with key saves, allowing Dayot Upamecano's decisive kick to send Les Bleus to Paris for the semi-finals, lifting significant pressure off Deschamps following their previous loss.
In what was a Nations League thriller from Paris on Sunday night, France edged their way past Croatia on penalties and officially booked their semi-final spot in Paris.
With Les Bleus unable to complete their comeback in the additional 30 minutes, Deschamps' superstar squad did drag themselves over the finishing line from the penalty spot.
While the French Football Federation might have given Deschamps their full backing following Les Blues' World Cup final heartbreak back in the winter of 2023, the 56-year-old found more pressure on his shoulders after their first-leg defeat.
However, with Maignan proving to be Deschamps' hero, the 29-year-old denied Josip Stanisic's effort before Bayern Munich teammate Dayot Upamecano powered home the decisive spot-kick.
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