Kiwis fly home, France in semis

France topped the group with a maximum nine points and will now play the runners-up of Group B in the last four. The European champions proved too strong for the All Whites, who ended the tournament with three defeats from three, a repeat of their performance four years ago.

Midfielder Ludovic Giuly, making his first appearance in this year’s tournament, set the hosts on their way to victory by setting up Auxerre’s Kapo for a close-range strike in the 17th minute. Three minutes later, the Monaco playmaker outsprinted defender Gerard Davis and delivered a pinpoint cross for Henry to head home at the far post. France then eased off the gas before Cisse, who hit the woodwork in the first half, slotted home a third goal from Henry’s cross. (Reuters)