"Finding a way to lose" - Roy Keane blasts England players, accuses them of throwing away game against France
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has lambasted England for their performance in their 2-1 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal loss against France. The holders got the better of the Three Lions in a hotly contested last-eight clash on December 10 to reach the the semifinals.
Aurelien Tchouameni had given the defending world champions the lead in the 17th minute with a piledriver from outside the box. Harry Kane restored parity from the spot in the 54th minute but Olivier Giroud restored Les Bleus' lead 24 minutes later. Kane had the opportunity to equalise again in the 84th minute but blazed his shot over the bar as Les Bleus held on for the win.
Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for. There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport. https://t.co/lw5Esl4fnA
Keane was disappointed with the way Gareth Southgate’s side played against France, saying that they frittered away their ascendancy in the contest. Speaking on ITV, the former player said:
“That’s where the players have to take control. Maybe experience in big tournaments - I know a lot of the players in that England team have won trophies at club level - but when we were at the game the other night against France, I’d try and describe it if I was in that position it was like you have your foot on somebody's throat, you’ve got to press down."
He continued:
“Don’t ease off, because you take the pressure off a good team like France and England are gonna find that they have quality, and as soon as they eased off, they got punished for it.”
He concluded:
“Fine details, though, Harry Kane scored the penalty, but when they had those chances with that possession, you have to find a way to win, and what England are doing in a lot of these big games is finding a way to lose.”
England outplayed Didier Deschamps’ men, as they had 57% of the ball, attempted twice as many shots (16-8), and lodged eight efforts on target to France's five. However, Les Bleus won the big moments to live to fight another day.
Morocco manager sends warning to France ahead of semifinal meeting
Having knocked out Spain (3-0 on penalties) and Portugal (1-0), Morocco are aiming for another massive upset, as holders Les Bleus now stand in their way to the final.
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Incredible! Morocco is the first ever African country to make it to the semi finals. The entire continent is rooting for you 👏🏿 https://t.co/TtUZZrl3jr
Morocco manager Walid Regragui has said that his men are dreaming of another magical night.
Ahead of the clash against the holders, Regragui said that his team are not content with becoming the first African nation to play the World Cup semifinals as he threw down the gauntlet at Les Bleus. He said:
“We will show great desire and try to pull off an upset. Why not reach the final of the World Cup? We can dream; it doesn’t cost you anything to have dreams.”
The winner of the game at the Al Bayt Stadium will take on Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday (December 18).