UEFA Nations league : France & Spain win epic thrillers through shootout to meet up in the semis

 

France staged a remarkable comeback to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Croatia, leveling the tie and ultimately triumphing in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé secured a 2-0 victory for Les Bleus on the night, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties, where they held their nerve to progress to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

Didier Deschamps made five changes to the side that had suffered defeat in Split, and his reshuffled team started with intent. Manu Koné provided an early warning in just the third minute, heading over from a pinpoint Ousmane Dembélé cross. That set the tone for a dominant French display, though Croatia remained disciplined in defense, limiting clear-cut chances.

Kylian Mbappé came close after a sharp turn in the box, while Aurélien Tchouaméni sent a header over from a corner as the hosts continued to press. It wasn’t until the 38th minute that Dominik Livaković was truly tested, the Croatian goalkeeper making a superb reflex save with his outstretched leg to deny Bradley Barcola after a sublime Olise pass.

Shortly after the restart, France finally found a breakthrough. Awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Olise curled a stunning strike over the wall and past Livaković, halving the deficit.

The hosts pushed for an equalizer, with Mbappé going agonizingly close with a powerful drive that skimmed past the post. Their persistence paid off ten minutes from time when Olise turned provider, cutting the ball back for Dembélé to fire home first-time, bringing the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate.

Extra time saw further heroics from Livaković, who made crucial stops to deny Désiré Doué and Mbappé. However, neither side could find a winner, leading to a tense penalty shoot-out. Mike Maignan emerged as France’s hero, saving spot-kicks from Martin Baturina and Josip Stanišić. Dayot Upamecano then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a 5-4 shoot-out victory and sending France into the final four.

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Meanwhile, Spain edged past the Netherlands in Valencia, with Pedri’s decisive penalty ensuring their spot in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after a pulsating quarter-final clash ended 5-5 on aggregate.

The defending champions started brightly, just as they had in the 2-2 first-leg draw in Rotterdam. They took the lead within eight minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal, having been fouled in the box by Jan Paul van Hecke, calmly dispatched his penalty into the bottom corner.

Bart Verbruggen kept the Netherlands in the contest with a crucial save to deny Nico Williams, and gradually, Ronald Koeman’s side grew into the game. By halftime, the visitors were in control, and nine minutes into the second half, they drew level as Memphis Depay marked his 100th international cap with a powerful penalty after Robin Le Normand brought him down.

Spain responded midway through the second half when Oyarzabal restored their lead, nodding home the rebound after Verbruggen had blocked his initial chip. However, with time running out, Koeman’s substitutions made the difference—Noa Lang and Xavi Simons combined to set up debutant Ian Maatsen, who struck a fine equalizer.

Extra time produced more drama. Lamine Yamal dazzled with his skill to put Spain ahead once more, but the Netherlands refused to back down, equalizing yet again through a Simons penalty after Unai Simón had conceded a foul.

With the match heading to penalties, Simón redeemed himself in the shoot-out, making a crucial save to deny Donyell Malen in sudden death. Pedri then stepped up to confidently convert the winning spot-kick, securing Spain’s place in the final four as they continue their title defense.