By Victor Kanayo
Defending Champions France will now confront giant killers Morocco in the semi-final stage of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup holding in Qatar on Wednesday December 14.
The two sides set up last four clash after the French team subdued England in the quarter-final match, where legend Harry Kane missed a crucial penalty for the Three Lions.
Notwithstanding, the Tottenham striker still equalled England’s all-time scoring record.
Kane lost an 82nd second penalty kick that would have been an equaliser after Giroud headed in the second goal for the defending champions.
Didier Deschamps’ world champions had taken the lead on 17 minutes through Aurelien Tchouameni’s 25-yard strike.
England felt there had been a foul in the build up and were also frustrated when VAR failed to support their appeal for a penalty following what looked like a foul on Kane just before the break.
The Three Lions didn’t have to wait too long for the equaliser though with Kane stepping up to equal Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England’s men’s senior side from the penalty spot on 54 minutes.
England were on the front foot but were stunned 12 minutes from time when Olivier Giroud headed in Antonie Griezmann’s excellent cross.
Gareth Southgate’s team then had a glorious chance to take the game to extra time but Kane blazed another spot kick over the bar six minutes from the end.
