France qualify for FIFA World Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over England

Harry Kane blazed a penalty over the crossbar for England six minutes from time as reigning champions France held on to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals courtesy of Olivier Giroud‘s close-range header.

Tottenham captain Kane beat Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris from the spot nine minutes into the second half, replying to Aurelien Tchouameni’s splendid 25-yard strike to open the scoring for the reigning champions.

In a compelling quarterfinal at the Al Bayt Stadium, France had the better of the opening stages and deservedly went ahead before Lloris pawed a powerful long-range drive from Kane around a post.

Jude Bellingham’s stinging attempt was tipped over the crossbar by Lloris and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept out a Giroud volley from close range as both sides traded chances during the second half.

France will return to the same setting to meet Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday, while England will head home after failing to repeat their run to the final four in 2018.