France edge England in thrilling World Cup quarterfinal

DOHA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- France qualified for the Qatar World Cup semifinal after winning a thrilling game 2-1 over England on Saturday night.

Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a 25-meter shot that flew beyond Jordan Pickford's reach.

Hugo Lloris twice denied England captain and his Tottenham clubmate, Harry Kane before halftime with a save from a narrow angle and tipping a shot wide of the post.

Kane equalized for England in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after Saka's run into the area drew a clumsy challenge from Tchouameni.

Olivier Giroud made it 2-1 in the 78th minute with a powerful header from Antoine Griezmann's curling cross.

Kane then missed a golden chance to level in the 83rd minute when he smashed another penalty, given for a push from Theo Hernandez on Mason Mount, high over the bar.