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Goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud were enough for France to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. England were left wondering Harry Kane’s missed penalty and refereeing decisions that went against them.
With the exception of Brazil, the other three defending champions have failed to get out of their groups. The Canarinha got out in the quarter-finals at the hands of France. Les Bleus have done one better and are establishing themselves as one of the best tournament sides ever.
Didier Deschamps’ objective will be to become only the second team to defend their world title. Diego Maradona’s Argentina failed at this monumental task and it was the French who broke Brazilian hearts on home soil in 1998. It is an esteemed company to be in and France will not mind being in it.
If one was watching for omens that France can put their names in footballing history, there are plenty to see. Their next meeting is against Morocco, an unproven international side in their first-ever semi-final appearance.
Moreover, they had lady luck smiling in their direction in their stiffest test at Qatar 2022. They scrapped together a 2-1 victory over England, a mixture of happy accidents that fell in their favour.
For Tchouameni’s opener, Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build-up. The goal stayed and England could only protest in vain. Other refereeing decisions went against them, halting their build-up play.
As it stands, alongside newcomer Erling Haaland, Harry Kane is the best forward in the Premier League. He is reliable from 12 yards and showed his prowess in England’s opener. However, he faltered under pressure and sent a ball into orbit after Maso Mount was brought down.
Deschamps praises ‘superb’ England
Les Bleus were told they will have their toughest test by the Three Lions and it certainly came true. England bossed the world champions despite trailing by a goal for the duration of the meeting.
Deschamps praised the English for their efforts on the pitch and admitted they were lucky to book their place in the semi-finals for the second tournament running.
“It was a big game, we played a superb England team who are strong technically and physically,” the 54-year-old remarked.
“It’s brilliant for the players to be in the last four again. We got a bit lucky although we gave away two penalties but we kept our lead with our hearts and our guts.”
History on the cards
All of these players are injured and France are still two wins away from defending their World Cup title…
Unreal depth 😳 pic.twitter.com/933O08gquL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 10, 2022
While the France manager pointed at lady luck, England great Gary Neville believes was the fault of the referee. The 85-time capped international was appalled by the officials’ performance and believes they were the deciding factor in France’s win over England.
However, it puts them dangerously close to making history. In addition to France, individual honours are also at stake. Despite being 23 years of age, Kylian Mbappe will solidify his standing as the reincarnation of Pele.
Meanwhile, Deschamps will have a seat of his own in the managerial hall of fame. His achievements are truly remarkable with a World Cup win as a captain and a further two titles from the dugout.
“Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make correct decisions because emotionally you go through so many different feelings,” the France 1998 winning captain remarked.
“The energy it takes through these tournaments is enormous.
“I want to make the right decision, whenever that is, for the team, for England, for the FA and I’ve got to be sure whatever the decision I take is the right one.
“I think it’s right to take time to do that because I know in the past how my feelings have fluctuated immediately after tournaments.”
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