After more than 60 years, a World Champion defend his title. Brazil last succeeded in doing so with Pelé (82) in 1962. Now France can continue dreaming of the second title in a row!
The Équipe Tricolore is the last team to go semifinals wins in the Al-Bayt Stadium (here Germany was knocked out of the World Cup after beating Costa Rica 4:2) with 2:1 against England.
For the Three Lions, the dream of the first title after 1966 bursts – because Harry Kane (29) fails the nerves from the point!
Ronaldo RAUS! Morocco creates a mega sensation
84. Minute: Kane has a penalty chance to make it 2-2 after Hernández fouled Mount. But the captain hit the ball well over the box – and thus spoiled England’s dream of the title.
France, on the other hand, is celebrating – also because they are getting off to a better start.
17. Minute: Upamecano initiates a counterattack in his own sixteen with a hard effort against Saka. Via Mbappé, Dembelé and Griezmann, the ball lands in the backcourt at Tchouaméni, who hits the left corner powerfully from 25 meters at 108 km/h. Pickford stretches in vain – the 1-0!
Not Mbappé, Griezmann or Co. – a real professional shoots France in front. The midfielder only switched from AS Monaco to the Royals in the summer for a fee of 80 million euros and immediately became a regular player.
But after the tour, the English are on the trigger.
Kane only fails twice at France keeper and Tottenham colleague Lloris (22./29.). Then the Vice European Champion with bad luck.
25. Minute: Upamecano hits Kane clearly on the calf, brings down the England captain, but referee Sampaio lets play continue. As the foul was just outside the penalty area, the VAR cannot intervene.
England better in all statistics in the first half: 53:47 possession, 5:3 shots on target, 3:2 shots on target. And that will be rewarded after the break.
53 minutes: Saka puts the ball past Tchouaméni in the penalty area. The scorer unpacks the scythe and clears Saka. Clear thing: Penalty.
Kane remains ice cold from the point, slams the ball into the left corner to make it 1-1 (54′).
Here he is still celebrating: Harry Kane’s eleventh goal was also his record goal for England
For the Tottenham star it is his second goal in the tournament and the 53rd goal in the national jersey. He draws level with Wayne Rooney (37) as England’s record goalscorer. When it comes to goals in major tournaments (World Cup and European Championship), England’s captain is now top with twelve goals ahead of Gary Lineker (62/ten).
After the equaliser, an exciting game develops with chances for both sides – but Giroud with the French lead.
78. Minute: Griezmann’s cross from the left lands at Giroud, who heads the ball into the net from close range to make it 2-1. Maguire deflects the ball slightly.
The decision for France because Kane’s nerves fail with his second penalty.
This also makes it clear: at least one Bundesliga player will definitely return to Germany as a world champion. Because in each of the four teams there is at least one Bundesliga kicker.
In the semifinals on Wednesday (8 p.m.) France will play against sensations team Morocco for a place in the final – and for the dream of defending the title.
