The defense tried to give the game away but Oliver Giroud powered France into the World Cup semi-finals in a 2-1 victory over England.
Two of the favorites for the World Cup title squared off in a game that was certainly fit for it. France were pushing to open the gamee but with England’s defense sitting back, Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring with a goal from outside the box in the 17th minute
England weren’t able to get back into things in the first half but Bukayo Saka took over the game after the break drawing a penalty in the 54th minute. Harry Kane would fire it home to draw level with Wayne Rooney as England’s all time leading male goalscorer with his 53rd goal for the national team.
But France weren’t done as Oliver Giroud forced a great save out of Jordan Pickford before getting a second chance with a header. Giving Giroud two chances was quite a mistake as he wouldn’t miss putting France ahead in the match with his 78th minute goal. England were given another chance with Theo Hernandez decking Mason Mount in the box but the mind games got to Kane as he blasted the chance over the box and that 84th minute penalty was as close as England would come to tying it up. Next up for France is a clash with Morocco as the defending World Cup champs keep their pursuit of back to back titles going.
Dayot Upemecano will need to thank his teammates as he had two rash challenges that on another day could’ve been given as penalties. The defense was their own worse enemy with England’s attack forcing them into bad situations. But France hasn’t had an issue winning ugly as someone has stepped up when needed. Usually, that has been Kylian Mbappe but with him being contained by England it was their captain, Lloris, who shined brightest.
Lloris had a massive save on Kane in the first half before finishing the match with six saves. France’s defense has been a weakness during this World Cup but knowing that they can rely on Lloris will give Les Blues confidence in facing Morocco. It’s an unfortunate loss for England as with the chips down, there are few players who you want on the spot more than Kane but sometimes it’s just not your night and that was the case for England Saturday.
Morocco’s defense will be ready, having only allowed one goal during the World Cup so far — and even that was an own goal by Nayef Aguerd. If France isn’t on all cylinders for the match, Africa will move from having the first African nation in the World cup semi-fnals to having a place in the World Cup final but Didier Deschamps has had game plans for every situation.
Source CBS
