AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — France’s gamers reacted as if they’d already gained the World Cup. What they had been truly celebrating, although, was Harry Kane’s missed penalty.The match wasn’t over but, however France was main 2-1 when Kane, England’s captain and its greatest participant, stepped as much as take a penalty that will even the rating within the 84th minute of Saturday’s match at Al Bayt Stadium.He despatched his shot excessive over the bar and defending champion France held on to win 2-1 for a spot within the semifinals.“That’s soccer,” England coach Gareth Southgate mentioned. “There may be no one I might relatively have in that state of affairs and if we had one tomorrow, I’d really feel precisely the identical method.”France is trying to develop into the primary nation to efficiently defend its World Cup title since Brazil — led by Pele — gained back-to-back tournaments in 1958 and 1962. Italy additionally gained two World Cups in succession in 1934 and 1938.France will subsequent face Morocco on Wednesday for a spot within the last.“We’re attending to the semifinals. We’re nearer to the ultimate and this was an necessary achievement tonight and we are able to imagine, however now we have an necessary recreation on Wednesday,” France coach Didier Deschamps mentioned. “Prior to now the world champions didn’t all the time do properly within the subsequent World Cup and we’ve managed to try this.”France is aware of that every one too properly.As defending champions in 2002, the French crew was eradicated within the group stage. France reached the ultimate in 2006, shedding to Italy in a penalty shootout, after which was knocked out within the group stage 4 years later in 2010.On Saturday, Aurelian Tchouameni gave France the lead however England evened the rating when Kane transformed from the penalty spot within the 54th minute. Olivier Giroud put France again in entrance with a header within the 78th minute, organising Kane for that probability to equalize once more in opposition to his Tottenham teammate, France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.That’s when he blasted his shot over.“It is vitally tough while you get a second penalty and, in fact, a goalkeeper that is aware of you very well as properly,” Southgate mentioned. “There’s so much concerned in that state of affairs. He’s one of the best, however one of the best are nonetheless 85% (correct), so even one of the best are going to overlook at occasions.”Kane sank to his knees after the ultimate whistle. His earlier purpose put him in a tie with Wayne Rooney as his nation’s main scorer, however that wasn’t what mattered.On the similar time, an elated France crew ran throughout the sphere in a blue wave of celebration earlier than gathering collectively in a huddle, bouncing up and down joyously.The singing and dancing continued into the locker room.Morocco, the primary African crew to achieve the semifinals of a World Cup, now stands in the way in which of France’s bid to make historical past.“Permit us to savour our victory tonight in opposition to an excellent England crew,” Deschamps mentioned when confronted with questions on his subsequent opponent.For Southgate, it’s time for reflection as he decides whether or not to hold on within the England job after main the crew via three tournaments since he was employed in 2016.“Every time I’ve completed these tournaments I’ve wanted time to make the proper choice as a result of emotionally you undergo so many alternative emotions and the power that it takes via these tournaments is gigantic,” he mentioned. “I need to make the precise choice, no matter that’s for the crew, for England, the FA (Soccer Affiliation). I feel it’s proper to take time to try this.“I do know up to now how a lot my emotions have fluctuated within the fast aftermath of match.”BOLD APPROACHSouthgate has usually been criticized for being too cautious within the largest video games, however he opted for a again 4 in opposition to France and loaded his crew with attacking threats.FLAT STARTMaguire kicked the ball out of play on the very starting of the match though there was no stress from a France opponent. Air was leaking out of the ball and Maguire knowledgeable the referee {that a} new one was wanted.___James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson___
France advances to semifinals at World Cup, tops England 2-1
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