By Marcel Graus
After more than 60 years, a world champion could defend his title for the first time. 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 reach the semi-finals, beating England 2-1 in the Al-Bayt Stadium (where Germany was knocked out of the World Cup after beating Costa Rica 4-2).
For the Three Lions, the dream of the first title after 1966 bursts – because Harry Kane (29) fails the nerves from the point!
84 minutes: After a foul by Hernández on Mount, Kane has the chance to make it 2-2 from the penalty spot. 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.
Aurelien Tchouament scores the lead for France. Jude Bellingham is late with his save Photo: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PR
17 minutes: 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.
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.
Harry Kane scores from the point for England Photo: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PR
25 minutes: Upamecano hits Kane clearly on the calf, bringing 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 box. 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′).
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).
France’s Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring a 2-1 win over England Photo: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PR
After the equaliser, an exciting game develops with chances for both sides – but Giroud with the French lead.
78 minutes: 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. (with Joerg Althoff)