Doha: France coach Didier Deschamps said his side showed "hearts and guts" to defeat England 2-1 on Saturday to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Aurelien Tchouameni scored first for the World Cup holders at Al Bayt Stadium but Harry Kane's penalty brought England level.
After Olivier Giroud's header gave France the lead, Kane wasted a golden chance to equalise when he blasted a penalty over the bar with minutes remaining.
"It's fabulous because it was a big match against a very good English team," Deschamps said. "We responded once again, it's wonderful to reach the last four again, you have to savour it, a World Cup semi-final is quite something.
"There is quality in this team, but there is also a good mentality and a state of mind. We gave them a little ammunition with two penalties, but it is with hearts and guts that we held onto this result."
Deschamps said France's semi-final opponents Morocco "deserve all our respect and recognition".
"They weren't among the teams we were expecting there, but it's anything but a surprise."
Source: AFP
