Olivier Giroud scored twelve minutes from time, guiding France to a 2-1 win over England in a thrilling quarterfinal game to set up a FIFA World Cup semi-final clash with Morocco, who had beaten Portugal.

England fought back but missed a crucial opportunity that could have taken the game into extra time after Harry Kane missed a penalty in the dying minutes of the match.

Read More: Morocco stun Spain to reach quarters; Portugal hammer Switzerland

In the end, France’s ability to deliver made all the difference as they became the first reigning champion to reach the World Cup semi-finals since Brazil in 1998.

Aurelien Tchouameni put France in front with a long-range scorcher in the 17th minute at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar. England were left disdained after calls for two suspected fouls against Bukayo Saka were ignored seconds before the defending world champions opened their scoring before going into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.

Read More: Defending champs France, England reach Qatar World Cup quarters

Captain Harry Kane then sent a powerful shot from the spot to level the game in the 54th minute, scoring his 53rd goal for England, thus equalling Wayne Rooney as the country’s joint-highest scorer.

This is the seventh time England have faced elimination in the quarter-final stages of the World Cup.

Read More: Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 but crash out of World Cup