Crucial penalty denies England a place in the semis as Morrocco peeps at history
By PHC Telegraph
Dreams of a place for the British in the finals of the ongoing World Cup in Qatar has dimmed, following their ouster from the competition by the defending champions.
The English got a shove in the back, falling behind the hard fighting French who scored two beautiful goals against Kane’s single goal and one miss to book a place in the semis.
Although both sides proved to be made of sterner stuff, it was France as defending champions who had the upper hand.
France’s players celebrate after stunning their English rivals on Saturday during the quarter finals played before a capacity crowd in QatarUpfront, it was the French that showed considerable character, consistency, drive and determination on a day the English sang “God bless the King”.
France shot into the lead early in the first half through a Tchouameni goal in the 17th minute and narrowly missed another chance on the offensive, to make it two before the half time whistle.
England however rallied in the second half, taking the fight to the French who under pressure struggled to hold the forte.
In 54th minute, hope rose for all England. The English were rewarded after persistently knocking on the door with a penalty kick which was converted by Harry Kane.
Giroud seems to say, “Yeah! I got the rhythm ” as he celebrated his goal.But in the 78th minute, English hopes were dashed when Giroud powered home a powerful header.
Moments before the curtain fell, precisely in the 84th minute, England got a real opportunity to draw level when the centre ref pointed at the spot, following an infringement.
Harry Kane stepped up for the English, but couldn’t deliver. His shot from the 18-yard box sailed harmlessly over the roof as his fellow countrymen stared on in unbelief and the French broke into jubilation.
Meanwhile, Morroca has stepped into the history books as the first African nation to get to the Semi final stage of the World Cup.
Whereas the Morroccans took out Spain, playing defensively, the picture was rather different Saturday.
Moments before Morocco got the only goal which rewrote history
Portugal’s keeper dives in the right direction, but his effort was not enough to save his country from the ruthlessness of Moroccans.Against Portugal, the Atlas Lions went for the attack, took their chance and scored the only goal of the match.
In the dying minutes of the match, Morocco played 10 men against 11 after a player received a red card.
That lone goal in the first half sealed the hope of the Portuguese.