KEIR RADNEDGE in AL KHOR: France kept their World Cup defence on track in beating England 2-1 in their World Cup quarter-final in the El Bayt Stadium after Harry Kane, of all people, shot a potentially equalising late penalty over the bar.

The World Cup holders had taken an early lead through Aurelien Thouameni with captain Kane equalising from the penalty spot shortly after halftime. Olivier Giroud restored the French lead which survived the award to England of that other, fatal late spot kick.

Victory was greeted with delerium by fans of Les Bleus who will now play surprise African adventurers Morocco in the semi-finals. For England it was a painful anti-climax after they had fought their way back into the match and had appeared, at one stage in the second half, to be taking control.

France had been the first to show. Ousmane Dembele found a surprising amount of space and time on the right but Olivier Giroud, leaving backwards could put only a weak header to the cross and Jordan Pickford saved easily.

France built on that solid start to take the lead after 17 minutes. Kylian Mbappe escaped from his captors and transferred possession to Dembele. The winger sitched the ball neatly back for Antoine Griezmann to set up Tchouamenu and the Real Madrid youngsters thumped home from 30 metres.

Engand’s response was a little flat. A Luke Shaw free kick was collected easily by Hugo Lloris who also saved well from Kane as the England captain bundled through on the right. England then had a penalty claim for a trip on Kane turned down by VAR.

France reasserted themselves towards the end of the half with Mbappe hooking a half-chance safely over the crossbar.

Under pressure

England started the second half at pace. Dembele was booked for a foul on Jude Bellingham who had a drive tipped over the bar by Lloris. When Bukayo Saka was tripped by Thouameni referee Wilton Sampaio had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Kane duly stepped forward to fire his past Spurs club-mate Lloris.

Sloppy covering almost conceded an immediate reviving goal to France as David Rabiot burst through the centre but Pickford dived left to save, before berating his defence.

England appeared to be gaining command of the game and, as France’s delicate touch started to desert them, so Harry Maguire saw a header scrape the outside of a post.

France responded superbly. Giroud remained the main threat. First he drew an outstsnding reflex save out of Pickford and then he headed France in front, via Maguire’s shoulder, in converting a left-wing cross from Griezmann.

England should have equalised in the 83rd minute after a VAR judgment for a push in the back by Theo Hernandez on substitute Mason Mount but Kane, this time, blasted his kick over the bar. No-one could quite believe it.

Seven minutes remained plus eight of stoppage time but that, effectively, was that.

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