Powered by goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud, France beat England 2-1 in the fourth quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium.
The defending champion would take the lead in the first half after a stunning strike from Tchouameni in the bottom left corner from 25 yards out. The Les Bleus kept their lead until the break.
England would equalize nine minutes into the second period after Bukayo Saka was brought down in the penalty area by French goalscorer Tchouameni. Harry Kane would nullify the resulting penalty to tie the game.
France defeated England to secure a place in the semi-finals!@adidasfootball | #FIFA world cup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 10, 2022
However, France found a way back into the lead through their all-time top goalscorer Olivier Giroud, who blasted in a header from Griezmann’s cross from the left to beat Pickford with 12 minutes of regular time remaining on the clock.
The Gareth Southgate-led England team were awarded another penalty three minutes after Theo Hernandez pushed Mason Mount into the penalty area. This time, England captain Kane skied the penalty as France progressed through the game to reach the last four alongside Morocco, Argentina and 2018 runners-up Croatia.
“It’s extraordinary. You must always believe. I knew I would get another chance and it’s great to help the team, I’m so happy. This reminds me of 2018 and we will continue,” Giroud said after the game.
Kyle Walker, on the other hand, said that while the team was disappointed, there were positives to be taken from England’s performance that evening.
“It’s football, you have to get the ball in the net. We’re disappointed. The group of players we have there is something special,” said Walker. “Look at the shots on goal. I feel like the guys did a great service and the game plan worked well. We certainly had more possession than them. But it’s about being clinical in the box.