Dec. 10 (UPI) — In a back-and-forth game on Saturday, France defeated England 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
French striker Oliver Giroud headed in the game-winning goal in the 78th minute, putting France within two victories of a World Cup title. They are seeking to become the first team to repeat at the World Cup in 60 years.
However, the most memorable play of the game was a shot that missed. In the 81st minute, England’s midfielder Mason Mount got taken down in the box. After a review, the referee awarded a penalty kick.
However, England’s Captain Harry Kane, who had converted a penalty kick earlier, missed the net entirely and missed a chance to tie the game.
“We know how many penalties he’s scored for us,” England’s Jordan Henderson told Fox. “It was a shocker for him I’m sure. He’s a world class striker and we wouldn’t be here without him.”
Aurelien Tchouameni got the scoring started for France with a sweet strike in the 17th minute.
Kane then drew the two sides even with his first penalty shot in the 54th minute.
France will face cinderella story Morocco, who upset Portugal earlier in the day on Saturday. They became the first African nation ever to advance to the semi-finals of a World Cup.
