France see off Croatia on penalties to reach Final Four in 2025.
France See Off Croatia on Penalties to Reach Final Four: An Epic Nations League Encounter.
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In one of the most thrilling and dramatic encounters of the UEFA Nations League, France triumphed over Croatia in a penalty shootout after an intense 120 minutes of football that left fans on the edge of their seats. The match, which took place in a stadium filled with anticipation, had everything: high stakes, drama, tactical intrigue, and a nerve-wracking shootout that ultimately saw France seal their place in the Final Four of the Nations League. This was a clash between two footballing powerhouses, both of whom had experienced varying levels of success on the international stage in recent years. The French team, fresh from a dominant run in the 2018 World Cup and eager to add another major title, found themselves in a fiercely contested battle against Croatia, who had stunned the world by reaching the World Cup final in 2018.
As the final whistle blew in the 120th minute, both teams were tied at 2-2, setting the stage for a penalty shootout that would decide who would advance to the coveted Final Four. The result encapsulated everything that makes international football so captivating: the tension, the drama, the pressure, and the undeniable quality of the players on the field. In this comprehensive recap, we take a detailed look at how the match unfolded, the key moments that shaped the game, and the drama of the penalty shootout that sent France through to the next stage.
The Stage: High Expectations and High Pressure France See Off Croatia
The Nations League has become one of the most highly anticipated competitions in international football, and the road to the Final Four has been filled with drama. France entered this match as the favorites, boasting a squad that included the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kanté—world-class players who had proven their worth on the global stage. Croatia, meanwhile, came into the game as a determined side with a strong midfield presence, led by Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Marcelo Brozović. Despite not having the same level of success in recent years as France, Croatia was still a formidable opponent, capable of pulling off surprising results.
The winner of this match would secure a place in the prestigious Final Four of the Nations League, with the chance to compete for one of the competition’s most sought-after trophies. The stakes couldn’t have been higher for both teams.
First Half: A Tactical Battle France See Off Croatia
From the very beginning, it was clear that this was going to be a tactical battle. France, known for their attacking prowess, aimed to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Croatia, meanwhile, was focused on disrupting France’s rhythm and exploiting any gaps in the defense. The midfield battle was always going to be crucial, and the clash between the two teams’ central midfielders—Modrić and Kanté—was a key area to watch.
France began the match with their usual fluid attacking setup. Kylian Mbappé, deployed on the left wing, was a constant threat with his blistering pace and ability to beat defenders. On the other side, Kingsley Coman tried to stretch the Croatian defense with his skill and quick feet. Croatia, however, was well-organized, and their defense stood firm, with Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren offering a resolute presence at the back.
It was not until the 22nd minute that the deadlock was broken. A ball played into the Croatian box was expertly controlled by Mbappé, who held off a challenge from Lovren and slipped a pass to Antoine Griezmann. The Atlético Madrid forward, known for his composure in front of goal, coolly slotted the ball past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković to give France the lead.
The Croatian defense was shaken, but they didn’t let the goal rattle them. Modrić and Brozović began to control possession in midfield, and Croatia gradually found their footing. They came close to equalizing in the 35th minute when a curling free-kick from Modrić just missed the top corner, much to the relief of French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Croatia’s continued pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute. After a clever combination of passes, Andrej Kramarić found himself in space just outside the French penalty area. With a precise strike, Kramarić beat Lloris to level the score at 1-1.
The first half ended with both teams having had their chances, and while France had the lead initially, Croatia had shown their ability to compete and pose a threat on the counter. The tension was building, and the second half promised even more drama.
Second Half: Drama and Intensity France See Off Croatia
The second half started with both teams pressing hard for the win. France came out with increased intensity, looking to restore their lead quickly. They dominated possession and pushed Croatia deeper into their own half. However, Croatia’s defense stood firm, with Lovren and Vida making key clearances.
In the 58th minute, France thought they had regained the lead. A well-placed cross from Benjamin Pavard found the head of Olivier Giroud, whose header seemed destined for the net. However, Livaković pulled off a stunning save, diving low to his left to deny the French striker and keep Croatia in the game. The Croatian goalkeeper’s heroics were not limited to that moment; throughout the second half, he was a constant presence, making key saves to frustrate the French attack.
Despite the pressure from France, Croatia began to grow into the match, with Modrić and Rakitić pulling the strings in midfield. In the 70th minute, Croatia had their best chance to take the lead. A perfectly weighted ball from Modrić sent Ivan Perišić through on goal, but Lloris made a crucial save, blocking Perišić’s shot with his legs and ensuring the score remained 1-1.
The game became increasingly open as both teams pushed for a winner. France, with their attacking trio of Mbappé, Giroud, and Griezmann, looked dangerous on the break, while Croatia’s counter-attacks, led by Kramarić and Perišić, kept the French defense on their toes. In the 82nd minute, France came agonizingly close once again. A powerful shot from Mbappé rattled the crossbar, and the French team were left to rue their missed opportunities.
With the game approaching its final moments, both teams were visibly exhausted, but neither could find the decisive goal. Croatia, despite their defensive efforts, were still looking dangerous on the counter, and France remained relentless in their pursuit of a winner. As the final whistle blew in regular time, the score remained 1-1, and the match would go to extra time.
Extra Time: The Final Push France See Off Croatia
As extra time began, it was clear that both teams were giving everything they had. The players were exhausted, and the intensity was palpable. Croatia looked to press high, trying to catch the French defense off guard, while France sought to exploit the gaps in the Croatian defense with their speed and creativity.
In the 107th minute, France took the lead once more. A brilliant ball from Paul Pogba sent Giroud through on goal. The veteran striker showed his class with a composed finish past Livaković to put France 2-1 up. It was a moment of quality that seemed to have finally broken Croatia’s resolve.
However, Croatia was not done yet. Just when it seemed like France had sealed the game, Croatia responded. In the 113th minute, a perfectly timed header from Perišić from a Modrić free-kick found the back of the net, and Croatia were level once again at 2-2. The stadium erupted as the Croatian players celebrated their dramatic equalizer, and France were left stunned.
With the match now tied at 2-2, extra time came to an end, and the game would be decided by a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Nerves of Steel France See Off Croatia
The tension was unbearable as the penalty shootout loomed. Both teams had given everything, and now it was down to who could hold their nerve under pressure.
The shootout began with Croatia’s first penalty taker, Luka Modrić. The Croatian captain stepped up confidently and calmly sent the ball into the top corner, past Lloris, giving Croatia a 1-0 lead. France responded through Kylian Mbappé, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
The next few penalties saw both teams trade successful spot-kicks. Ivan Rakitić and Giroud both converted their penalties, as did Brozović and Griezmann. The shootout remained tied at 3-3, and the pressure mounted as the final penalties approached.
In the final round of penalties, it came down to the goalkeepers. Croatia’s Livaković stepped up to take his penalty, but he was denied by Lloris, who made a crucial save, diving to his right. The stage was now set for France’s last penalty taker—Antoine Griezmann. The French forward had been crucial throughout the match, and now he had the chance to seal his team’s place in the Final Four.
Griezmann kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball past Livaković, sending France through to the Final Four with a 4-3 victory in the shootout.
Conclusion: A Classic Encounter France See Off Croatia
The match between France and Croatia in the Nations League was a spectacle that showcased the drama, intensity, and unpredictability of international football. Both teams fought tooth and nail for a place in the Final Four, and in the end, it was France who triumphed, albeit in a heart-stopping penalty shootout.
Croatia can hold their heads high, having given one of the best teams in the world a serious challenge. France, on the other hand, proved their resilience and composure under pressure, and their victory secured them a spot in the next stage of the competition.
As the teams walked off the pitch, exhausted but proud of their performances, fans were left with memories of a classic encounter—one that will surely be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Nations League history. For France, the journey to the Final Four has just begun, but with their world-class players and proven pedigree, they will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to lift the trophy when the competition reaches its climax.
