Olise free-kick ends 17-year-long draught for France

Michael Olise netted the first before setting up Ousmane Dembele for France's second in Sunday's 2(5-4)0 win over Croatia in the Nations League quarter-finals.

His crucial contributions helped Didier Deschamps' side to draw level in full-time before sealing the final four on penalties, where they will face reigning champions Spain.

Having scored his goal directly from a free kick, the Bayern Munich winger put an end to an unwanted record from France that lasted over 17 years.

His set-piece strike was France's first in a competitive match since October 2007, when Jerome Rothen did so against the Faroe Islands in a qualifier for the 2008 Euros.

France also scored directly from a free-kick through Paul Pogba in March 2018, though the former Man United midfielder's goal came in a friendly match against Russia.