Rugby World Cup: Wales beat France in a dramatic match

The French national rugby team has not made it to the semi-finals for the third time in World Cup history. In a thrilling match, France lost 19:20 (19:10) to Wales. The French had to play half an hour in the run after Sébastien Vahaamahina had been sent off with red (49th minute).

It was the scene that was supposed to turn the game. In a package Vahaamahina first took his opponent Aaron Wainwright in a headlock, took out and rammed his elbow into his face. After applying the video evidence, referee Jaco Peyper dismissed the Frenchman.

At the time of the red card, it was 19:10 for the French, who actually had the game under control. Vahaamahina had made the first attempt of the game (5th), Charles Ollivon (8th) and Virimi Vakatawa (31st) had also run for France in the Malfeld. Wainwright had shortened in the meantime (12).

Charly Triballeau / AFP

Because of this elbow hit Vahaamahina saw the red card

The French team came under pressure only in deficit. First, the Welsh shortened by a penalty kick by Dan Biggar (54) and were only six points back. An attempt that scored five points and a subsequent two-point raise were enough for victory.

Too much pressure from the Welsh

In the final stages, France could no longer stand the pressure of the Welsh. After a French crush, Welshman Tomos Williams tore the ball from an opponent, Ross Moriarty caught him and scored the winning attempt for Wales (74 '). However, the scene was controversial because Williams's ball may have been played forward. In rugby the ball may only be thrown horizontally or backwards. But the trial counted.

After Biggar also converted the increase to 20:19, France got the ball again. However, Camille Lopez tried a bit too hasty to reach a drop-goal from a distance. Lopez missed the poles and gave the game another twist. France remained without a point in the second half.

For Wales, this is the third World Cup semi-final in its rugby history. Most recently, the team qualified at the World Cup eight years ago for the round of the last four teams.