Reigning champions France reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals at the expense of England in a compelling quarterfinal decided by Olivier Giroud’s close-range header and Harry Kane’s penalty miss at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Kane blazed a penalty over the crossbar six minutes from time to ensure England would not level for a second time, after the Tottenham striker had matched Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England to draw his side level in the second half.
Aurelien Tchouameni gave France the lead with a 25-yard strike that dipped beyond Jordan Pickford’s dive in the 17th minute.
France had the better of the opening stages but were indebted to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris — earning a record 143rd cap for his country’s senior men’s team — when he clawed a powerful long-range drive from Kane around a post to keep his side in front.
Jude Bellingham’s stinging attempt was tipped over the crossbar by Lloris, and England goalkeeper Pickford kept out a Giroud volley from close range as the sides traded chances during the second half.
Three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Kane became the first player to both score and miss a penalty in a World Cup match since Michal Bilek for Czechoslovakia against USA in 1990.
France will return to the same setting to meet Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday, while 2018 semifinalists England’s first defeat in Qatar means they are out, despite a commendable overall performance.
France or Morocco will meet Argentina or Croatia, who play on Tuesday, in the final on December 18.