Giroud keeps back-to-back WC dream alive

The match which had been billed as the blockbuster quarter-final had finally arrived, and both sides used the first quarter of an hour to get adjusted to the limelight. After some very entertaining opening exchanges, France found the lead on the 17', after a superb Tchouameni strike, which sailed past a sprawling Pickford. The Real Madrid man could not have asked for a better time to grab his first goal in this World Cup. England managed to find their feet after the initial shock, and looked threatening on several occasions.

Perhaps the Three Lions' best chances were those falling to talisman Harry Kane, whose first attempt was well blocked by a charging Lloris, blocking it out for yet another corner. His fellow-Spurs teammate once again got the better of him soon after, with an acrobatic save, heroically tipping it over the crossbar. This defensive determination matched Les Bleus' overall tenacity, and they managed to keep their noses in front in a first half from which England were unlucky not to get anything, and they went into the break with the thinnest of leads. 

England were clearly keen to start the second period off as they had played for the majority of the first, with Bellingham very unluckly not to bring his side back into it, once more the Tottenham keeper Lloris tipping over. The golden opportunity England had been waiting for was then brought about after first-half hero Tchouameni turned villain and tripped over Arsenal-man Saka in the box, leaving the referee in no doubt. Kane soon shook off the Tottenham vs Tottenham curse, doing what he does best and converting from the 12 yard spot, opening his World Cup scoring campaign. 

The French side gradually grew accustomed to the England pressure, and grew into the second half, with Pickford repeatedly coming to the rescue. The Everton man was eventually unable to stop Giroud's efforts, though, as France's topscorer added another to his all-time tally when easily headed in the cross in past a frantic Pickford. The Three Lions then called upon Mason Mount to help them save the day, with his impact being felt immediately after entering the game.

The Chelsea man was clattered into from behind while collecting a ball over the top, giving Harry Kane the perfect chance to overtake Rooney as England's all-time top goal scorer. It was not to be for the capitan, however, as he put his second spot kick straight over Lloris' bar, keeping the score at 1-2, and him level with Rooney on 53. Despite late pressure from the Three Lions, culminating in a last minute Rashford free kick which shaved the roof of the net, France managed to escape, and end up in another semi-final. 

This result dumps England out of the competition after a stellar performance, while France's quest for back-to-back titles is well on track, setting up a semi-final showdown against the tournament's suprise package Morocco.

 

December 10, 2022