AL KHOR, Qatar — France’s players reacted as if they had already won the World Cup. What they were actually celebrating, though, was Harry Kane’s missed penalty.
The match wasn’t over yet, but France was leading 2-1 when Kane, England’s captain and its best player, stepped up to take a penalty that would even the score in the 84th minute of Sunday’s match (PH time), Dec. 11, 2022, at Al Bayt Stadium.
He sent his shot high over the bar and defending champion France held on to win 2-1 for a spot in the semifinals.
France is looking to become the first country to successfully defend its World Cup title since Brazil — led by Pele — won back-to-back tournaments in 1958 and 1962. Italy also won two World Cups in succession in 1934 and 1938.
France will next face Morocco on Thursday (PH time), Dec. 15, for a spot in the final. (AP)