Aurélien Tchouaméni nearly scored a crazy overhead kick for France vs Austria on Thursday evening.
The midfielder, who signed for Real Madrid in a €100 million move from AS Monaco this summer, was in Les Bleus' starting lineup for their Nations League clash with Austria at Stade de France.
Didier Deschamps' side went into the game bottom of League A Group 1. They desperately needed a victory with the threat of relegation looming.
Tchouameni came ever so close to breaking the deadlock in incredible fashion in the 35th minute.
Kylian Mbappe swung in a corner towards the back post. Olivier Giroud headed the ball back into a dangerous area but he could only find an Austria player.
The ball was only semi-cleared, though.
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 22: Aurelien Tchouameni of France shoots whilst under pressure from Xaver Schlager of Austria during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Austria at Stade de France on September 22, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Tracking back towards the ball, Tchouaméni then went for the spectacular as he attempted an audacious overhead kick.
He made perfect contact and his effort travelled towards Austria's net with some pace.
Patrick Pentz produced a heroic save, though, as he tipped the ball onto the bar and denied Tchouaméni one of the best goals of 2022/23 so far.
VIDEO: Tchouaméni comes within inches of scoring crazy bicycle kick vs Austria
What an effort. And what a save by Pentz. He just managed to get his fingertips to the ball and tip it onto the bar.
Not only did Austria's stopper deny Tchouaméni - Pentz then managed to thwart Antoine Griezmann's effort from close range in what was a heroic piece of goalkeeping.
France dominated proceedings in the first-half but were able to find a way past the inspired Pentz, meaning the two sides went into break with the scoreline all square.
Les Bleus got the win they needed, though, with second half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud giving them a vital three points.
France have moved up to third and know a victory against Denmark on Sunday will see them finish third and secure their safety.