Match 59
Morocco v Portugal
Morocco are the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in Al Thumama.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s perfect first-half header proved the game’s only goal despite Portugal’s relentless pressure thereafter.
Some determined defending amidst the backdrop of their noisy fans allowed the Atlas Lions to roar into the final four.
Walid Regragui’s men have now eliminated Belgium, Spain and Portugal, with France next on their list.
Match 60
England v France
France continued their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup crowns after defeating England 2-1 in Al Khor.
Aurelien Tchouameni gave France the perfect start after 17 minutes with a driven long-range strike past Jordan Pickford.
That goal seemed to swing the pendulum back in England’s favour, however, and the Three Lions dominated proceedings until Harry Kane restored parity 10 minutes into the second half.
Kane’s penalty had many feeling a second would follow, but Olivier Giroud had other ideas, heading home from Antoine Griezmann’s cross with 12 minutes remaining.
A Theo Hernandez foul on Mason Mount afforded Kane one last chance to double his tally, but his effort flew high and over the bar to seal France’s place in the final four.
