France comes out on top against tough England squad

The last quarterfinal match between England and France at the Al Bayt Stadium did not disappoint. The French team claimed a 2-1 victory, reaching its second consecutive World Cup semifinal. The French are just two games away from defending their 2018 World Cup title.

France dominated the first half from start to finish. The reigning world champions had the best scoring chances, and the back line was relentless. England hardly had broke through the opponent's area because of the coordinated effort from the French defenders.

Olivier Giroud had the first chance of the match with a header that went straight to English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. In the 16th minute, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni (1-0) opened the scoring with a powerful shot from outside the box, unstoppable for the "Three Lions" goalkeeper.

England felt they deserved a penalty after Dayot Upamecano brought down Harry Kane, but the referee ruled that the foul took place outside the penalty area after checking the video review.

Harry Kane had the best chance for his side in the first half but was unable to beat French goalie Hugo Lloris. Kylian Mbappé had the chance to put France up by two goals after a beautiful passing display between Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé and Mbappé himself. His shot, however, went high.

In the second half, England increased the pace of the game and began to create more threatening chances. Lloris made one of the best saves of the tournament after turning away a Jude Bellingham shot from outside the box.

The equalizer came in the 54th minute. A penalty was awarded when Tchouaméni brought down Bukayo Saka in the box. Harry Kane (1-1) converted the penalty with ease.

In the 60th minute, Saka had a chance to put his team ahead, but his shot was blocked by Lloris. Harry Maguire and Saka each had additional chances, but they could not convert.

Just as England were dominating the game, France scored their second goal. France's all-time leading scorer, Olivier Giroud, (2-1) scored the second goal with an impeccable header from a great cross by Griezmann.

In the 81st minute, the referee again awarded England a penalty after Theo Hernandez pushed Mason Mount. This time, however, Harry Kane skyed the shot over the goal and failed to equalize.

In the final minute, Marcus Rashford nearly sent the game into extra time with a set piece from just outside the box, but his shot flew narrowly wide of the goal.

With the win, France is set to face the tournament's Cinderella, Morocco, in the semifinals.