France survived its quarterfinal match against England, 2-1, on Saturday, keeping its dream alive of repeating as World Cup champions.
Aurélien Tchouaméni scored in the 17th minute on a long-range shot.
Harry Kane converted one of two second half penalty kicks to tie. His second sailed above the crossbar and kept the deficit 2-1.
France took the lead for good in the 78th minute on a header by Olivier Giroud.
The win means the French national team can possibly become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
It also means it remains a possibility the championship is a rematch between 2018’s finalists.
Croatia plays Argentina in the first semifinal on Tuesday. A win would send the Croatian national team to the finals for the second consecutive World Cup. France plays Morocco on Wednesday to decide the other participant.
The last World Cup finals rematch occurred in 1986 and 1990. In those years, Argentina and West Germany played in consecutive finals. The teams split the two appearances, each winning a World Cup.
Per Oddschecker, it’s more likely there will be a changing of the guard instead a growing French dynasty.
Argentina (plus-180) is the favorite to win the World Cup while oddsmakers like France as the other finalist.
