Didier Deschamps said that the French team showed “heart and guts” to defeat England and move to the World Cup semifinals.
Les Bleus had to do more than their fair share of defending throughout the encounter, but Olivier Giroud’s thunderous header sealed the victory in the end.
Then, England captain Harry Kane missed a key late penalty, denying his team the opportunity to equalize and delivering the win to France.
Didier Deschamps said after the match, “It’s fantastic. It was a major game,” “We faced an outstanding England side that is technically and physically formidable.
“It’s fantastic that the players are again in the last four. In these instances, you wish that time would halt for a bit.
“However, tonight, we will enjoy it. We were rather fortunate despite conceding two penalties. We maintained our advantage with heart and guts.”
Giroud, 36, was likewise ecstatic after the game and described to reporters the moment he scored the game-winning goal for his team.
“This 53rd goal tonight is much greater” (than equalling Henry). Before I had the opportunity to score, I should have struck harder and scored,” he added.
“I believed I may have another opportunity, so it was an incredible feeling to score when it presented itself.
“You need to keep believing,” he continued. “(Antoine Griezmann) provided me with a fabulous ball, which is fantastic for the squad.
“We were aware of this young England team’s potential. We played a terrific game and attempted to damage them on the break, even though they had everything. We pursued it with all of our mental fortitudes.”
France will now compete against Morocco in the semifinals. Even though Deschamps’ team is the clear favorite to advance to the final, they will be mindful of their opponents after Spain and Portugal were upset in the previous two rounds.
