Two interesting games went down on Sunday in the round of sixteen of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. France beat Poland 3-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium while England emerged 3-0 victors over African champions Senegal.
These results confirm both winners will meet in one of the quarter-final games of the competition.
France 3-1 Poland
AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud scored a record 52nd goal for France as he helped Les Bleus beat Poland to qualify for the last eight.
Giroud opened scoring just before halftime after receiving the ball from Kylian Mbappé. The goal, and France’s overall display in the first half, put the reigning World Champions in good control of the game.
The Polish side, led by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and Napoli’s Piotr Zieliński created couple chances but their efforts proved abortive.
Mbappé then scored two brilliant second half goals as France raced to victory. The 23-year-old broke another record as he surpassed Pele’s tally of scoring seven World Cup goals before the age of 24. The former Monaco man netted both goals from similar positions within the penalty area. With five goals, he now leads the race for the Golden boot as his World Cup goals now stand at nine in 11 matches.
Poland’s consolation came via Lewandowski’s penalty in the ninth minute of injury time.
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Senegal 0-3 England
England made sure of a World Cup quarter final meeting with France after a comprehensive mauling of Senegal.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, the English side survived a nervy opening that saw goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produce a world class save to keep out Boulaye Dia’s effort.
Gareth Southgate’s charges showcased a powerful and assuring performance spiced with zeal and ferocious attacking display.
Jude Bellingham, who has grown into the team and is becoming one of the finest midfielders in world football, was a thorn in the flesh of the Senegalese. His brilliant passes and commendable technical abilities, coupled with Phil Foden’s sleekness, swiftness and artistry, were key to England’s perfect dominance on the night.
Jordan Henderson fired England into the lead in the 38th minute when he met Bellingham’s inch perfect cross. Foden then assisted captain Harry Kane for the second before the conclusion of the first period. It was Kane’s first goal of the tournament.
Foden again supplied the third, three minutes before the hour mark, for Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
Harry Maguire’s lack of pace was exposed twice in the early stages of the game and that will be a cause of concern for Southgate whose side will be facing tricky and pacy players like Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé in the next round.
Still 19, Bellingham held the midfield well and controlled proceedings at a World Cup match like it wasn’t a big deal. The youngster assured onlookers of a bright and secured future with his brilliance and breathtaking display. His combination with Foden which resulted in Kane’s goal was surreal.
When will England meet France
England and France will meet in the last eight of the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Saturday, 10th December.
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