Ousmane Dembele & Michael Olise outshine Kylian Mbappe as France complete Nations League comeback win over Croatia after penalty drama

France began at a high tempo but they didn't make their pressure count until the 52nd minute when Michael Olise curled in a sumptuous free-kick from 20 yards. The hosts, who lost the first leg 2-0 with an abject performance in Split, kept pushing for that crucial equaliser and they eventually drew level on aggregate 10 minutes from time thanks to Ousmane Dembele's first-time finish. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was in inspired form during extra-time as the Croats seemed content to take the game to penalties. After five misses from the spot in total, Dayot Upamecano stepped up and slotted home to win the shootout for Les Bleus 5-4 at a raucous Stade de France on Sunday. It was another rare-off night for Mbappe, though, who was unable to transfer his impressive club form for Real Madrid to the international stage.

For some years now, France have arguably had the best squad in international football but they have flattered to deceive in recent times. While their first leg in Croatia was poor, their heart and quality were plain to see in the second leg and then they held their nerve on penalties. Didier Deschamps is in the final stretch of his France tenure and wins like these may enhance his team's belief they can win the 2026 World Cup to give him a perfect send-off.

France won the second edition of this competition back in 2021 after they beat Spain in the final. The other two victors were Portugal in 2019 and the current holders are Spain.

France will meet Spain in the semi-finals of the competition at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on June 5 for a shot at the Nations League title three days later. Portugal or Germany await in the showpiece event.