France Edges Croatia 5-4 in Penalties, Advances to Nations League Semis

France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan was the standout performer in their Nations League tie against Croatia, making critical penalty saves that led to a 5-4 shootout victory after the match ended in a draw. Kylian Mbappé's return to the team was marked by mixed reviews, as he had struggled in the first leg, which France lost 2-0, but his captaincy and contributions were acknowledged by coach Didier Deschamps and teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. Deschamps emphasized that the team's success relies on collective effort rather than individual talent, despite the focus on stars like Mbappé. As France prepares to face Spain in the semifinals, the team aims to build on their recent victory and improve their performance. The match against Croatia also highlighted the camaraderie between players, including a light moment between Mbappé and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric during a contentious incident. Overall, France's resilience and teamwork are crucial as they advance in the tournament.