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France knocked England out of Qatar 2022 with Hugo Lloris playing an important role. The Les Bleus captain was in goal for Harry Kane’s scuffed penalty shot and has reached out to his club captain.
Alongside the defending champions, the Three Lions were slated for glory at the World Cup. Their quarter-final showdown was a high-profile affair and it was Gareth Southgate’s men on the wrong side of a 2-1 result.
Harry Kane was in the thick of things for England as he led their charge. However, he was denied by Lloris, who commanded the French posts. The Tottenham captain did send one shot into the back of the net from 12 yards out to equalize.
However, the second opportunity that came Kane’s way went flying over the bar. The 84th-minute missed chance was England’s last clear-cut opportunity. The French held their own in the ensuing minutes and were left ruing their chances.
While Les Bleus jubilate in their second-successive semi-final appearance, the Three Lions were sent packing. Kane has received criticism and support for the high-profile miss.
Kane is amongst the best in the world
Knowing the full importance of the shot and the resulting media storm, Lloris reach out to his club teammate of nine years. The France captain admitted it was a difficult conversation, especially as he was on the opposing side.
He hailed him amongst the best in the world, alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. And shared that his efforts for the Three Lions’ cause should be lauded.
“I don’t need to go too much further, but we had a text after the game, but it was not easy to find the words straight after the game in the changing room,” Lloris said.
“I think he needed some rest, but it was a difficult time for the England national team and for Harry. But I think he can be proud of what he’s done for the national team during this World Cup. I think in football history many top players miss important penalties.
“Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe – and I’ve no doubt Harry will keep his chin up and continue to shine for Tottenham and his national team.”
France’s semi-final date with Morocco
Lloris and Kane will be in action together in a fortnight as they line up for Tottenham on Boxing Day against Brentford. The goalkeeper is not preparing for a battle with the Bees but Morocco as he sets his sights on successive final appearances.
The Atlas Lions have forced their way to the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal in their route. Morocco has been stubborn against teams boasting higher quality to become the first African nation in the World Cup semi-finals.
Both sides will be entering the annals of history books with a win. Les Bleus will put their name alongside the legendary Argentina 90 and Brazil 98 sides if they get over Morroco. A victory for Walid Regragui’s men will make them the only non-European and Latin American side to grace the World Cup final.
France are slated to steamroll past their rivals but Lloris is not getting ahead of themself. He hailed the potential of their rivals and believes it will be a battle to book a place in the finals.
“France v Morocco is a game between two strong football sides, two talented teams. But each side has a specific objective – to qualify for the final,” the France captain commented.
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