Football

World Cup 2022: Giroud Goal Sends France Flying Into Semis

World Cup 2022: Giroud Goal Sends France Flying Into Semis
France's Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Adrien Rabiot during the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Picture date: Saturday December 10, 2022. - Photo by Icon sport

A 78th minute Olivier Giroud headed goal proved the winner as France defeated England 2-1 at Al Bayt Stadium in a highly-contested quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Giroud’s goal came after England had dominated much of the second-half, and looked by far the more dangerous side. The big striker got his head on to a cross just inside the England six-yard box and the ball took a deflection off John Stones to beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.

Giroud heads in France's second goal against England
France’s Olivier Giroud scores their side’s second goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Picture date: Saturday December 10, 2022. – Photo by Icon sport

Late Chance for England

There was still over ten minutes of normal time remaining and there would be late drama. Substitute Mason Mount was barely on the field when he looked to get on a long ball sent forward into the France area when Theo Hernandez shouldered him over on to the ground.

A VAR review came shortly after and a penalty was awarded to England on the 81st minute. Harry Kane had opened the Three Lion’s account with a penalty earlier in the half and the England captain stepped up again. To the crowd’s shock, Kane’s strike was skied over the crossbar of his Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris and France remained ahead of their penalty-haunted opponents.

The reigning champions saw the game out from then and looked the more likely to score in what was over ten minutes of injury time after the full 90 was played. Marcus Rashford had a late opportunity from a free-kick awarded just outside the French 18-yard box and the Man United forward came close but not close enough when he hit the top-netting with his attempt.

That miss ended England’s chances of getting back on even terms and the defeat of Southgate’s outfit sees them exit the Qatar World Cup with an unfulfilled goal. Didier Deschamps’ France advance to a semi-final against Morocco as they will hope to deliver a second consecutive World Cup to their country.

England v France: How It Played Out

Though there was much talk about the threat of Kylian Mbappe in the lead up to this encounter, Les Blues’ opening goal came from an unlikely source in Aurélien Tchouaméni. After some good work from Mbappe in the build-up, Tchouaméni received the ball well outside the English area but the Real Madrid youngster’s powerful effort went underneath the legs of Jude Bellingham and beat Pickford on his right to send the French ahead on 17 minutes.

The opening half was a quality affair, evenly matched affair as both sides attacked each other. Kane and Bukayo Saka proved a handful for the French defense but they couldn’t get the ball past Lloris. Les Blues offered most on the break and their solidity at the back saw them into half-time ahead.

After the restart, England were a much better side and played most of the football as their opponents looked to becoming rather sloppy in play. The ever-dangerous Saka finally earned the Three Lions an opportunity after 50 minutes when he won a penalty after being brought down by  Tchouaméni.

Kane stepped up and made no mistake in sending Lloris the wrong way and striking into the left of goal to bring his side even. The English had the better chances for much of the remainder but could not find goal.

Giroud’s Golden Goal

The French still provided a threat however, and Giroud came close with a volley inside the box and should have really done better to beat Pickford from point-blank range. Moments later, the veteran AC Milan striker would redeem himself with his header to take the lead back and extend his lead as France’s all-time top scorer by two goals (52).

Gareth Southgate brought on attackers as England chased the game and they thought they had done enough to force extra-time when Mount won the side’s late late penalty. Kane’s miss meant they had not , and it appeared to drain their hope as time ticked on and France took victory.


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