After a titanic tussle in their World Cup quarter-final, France have overcome England this evening.
It was a thrilling game, one with massive stakes. Both sides had spells of dominance in the game, although the French's killer instinct proved to be the difference in the end.
Aurélien Tchouaméni's goal in the opening 25 minutes was the difference between the sides at the interval, although England would draw level from the spot early in the second half.
Olivier Giroud looked to have scored the winner for France in the 78th minute, powering home a header from close range.
🏴1-2🇫🇷
GOAL FRANCE!
Was it Olivier Giroud or was it a Harry Maguire OG? Anyway France retake the lead.
📝Live updates: https://t.co/ZpRyodk2W2
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/MCRAkz4Jub— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
However, there was to be another twist.
England were almost immediately handed a second penalty of the contest. On this occasion, Harry Kane could only find the back row of the stand.
🏴1-2🇫🇷
Harry Kane blazes over from the penalty spot!
📝Live updates: https://t.co/ZpRyodk2W2
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/skbbl1J3mt— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
It was a brutal moment for the England captain, one which ultimately decided the game.
They failed to muster another real chance of note as France ran out 2-1 winners.
Kylian Mbappe reaction to Harry Kane penalty
It was a relatively quiet game from Kylian Mbappe, although he did have some moments of real quality. It was clear that England were terrified whenever he got on the ball.
In saying that, his highlight may not have come during actual play at all.
His reaction to Harry Kane's penalty miss echoed the emotions of a lot of people outside of England.
Cillian Mbappe ☘️pic.twitter.com/LhuTw7yopT
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 10, 2022
Absolutely hilarious.
While he was a bit off the boil tonight, you'd imagine he will be relishing the remainder of the tournament. Having seen the rest of the quarter-finals, France look like strong favourites to and win the lot now.
They will face Morocco in the semi-finals, a game they will enter as favourites.
For England, it's very much a case of back to the drawing board.
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