Kylian Mbappe and France have the last laugh as they cruise into semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup with 2-1 win over England in Qatar
Kylian Mbappe and France celebrate victory against England
You have to pardon French rock star Kylian Mbappe for laughing at Harry Kane after the English captain bungled with a spot kick in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday night in Qatar. TV clips caught Mbappe in a wicked celebration mode of sorts, as Kane could not fire the ball from the spot, leading to a 2-1 win for France.
How can there be an England versus France match minus the guffaws, puns, and moments of derision? Just imagine, France had flown into Qatar with an injury list that resembled an Army back after fighting a war. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe, and Mike Maignan were among those who had to stay back and watch the football on television in France.
The challenge for France manager Didier Deschamps, easily one of the best brains in the business, was gigantic. He was part of the 1998 French squad which won the World Cup and then coach of the Les Bleus in 2018 when they won the World Cup in Germany. In Qatar, they had a reputation to defend, and taking on England was the acid test.
If Deschamps has been in total control, his boys have been in “The Zone” this time. Even as favorite teams fell by the wayside –latest Portugal — France has been on cruise mode. There is no denying, this English side has not looked as prosaic, as in the past. Manager Gareth Southgate has been in command and despite the loss to France, he has still got good press back home.
Celebrating mediocrity or staying calm in the desert and back home in England has been unique. Those part of the pub culture all over Britain did gulp down a few more pints of beer on their weekend, for, defeat was bitter to swallow. It was also bitter to see Kayne mess up, leaving Mbappe smiling after missing the infamous kick with the Adidas ball. This miss is going to traumatize him for a long time, but as has become a trend in this World Cup, penalties have acquired a literal meaning. Get booted out, literally.
Kylian Mbappe is having a terrific World Cup at Qatar
Back to Mbappe, the superstar has been on fire. If his four goals in the 2018 World Cup were sublime, he has shown more swerve, verve, and better nerves this time. He has already pumped in five goals in Qatar, though, he did not score against England. That did not matter as the Frenchmen had enough arsenal to score two goals and see Kane come a cropper.
Watching the match on television and in replays offers more insights and angles. There was this famous duel for the ball between Mbappe and his rival Kyle Walker, where the 23-year-old is outpacing and outwitting with the ball at his feet. Literally. Ball control, yes. Artistry, yes. Mbappe defined all this. He looks potent enough for more damage in the semis, and, hopefully for the final.
The good thing about England versus France is there was no penalty shootout, it ended in the regulation period. Yet, some Englishmen have already started blaming Kane for paying the penalty as he was unable to score. Alan Shearer and many more Brit pundits have started talking about how tough it is to take the penalties. Was it not the same story one heard when Spain was bounced out of the tournament?
Even one goal is enough to separate the winner from the loser. It was one goal difference between England and France, courtesy of one spot kick missed. They say you get one chance. Certainly, Kane ensured it was a lost chance! As they say in French, Vous Le Vous, also became a famous Abba number in the 70s. It means, “Do you want or, Would you like..” For those not familiar with French cuisine and wines, they are exquisite. Just like their football, these days!
S Kannan
(382 Articles Published)