Argentina have advanced to the FIFA World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England in their semi-final match.
Two late goals in the final minutes of the game turned the match around for the South American side, ending England’s run under Thomas Tuchel and setting up a final clash between Argentina and Spain.
The match began with both teams playing cautiously, knowing what was at stake.
Argentina tried to control the tempo of the game by keeping possession, while England remained organised in a compact defensive shape.
Lionel Messi tried to find pockets of space to create chances, but England’s midfield did a good job of closing him down quickly.
England looked to play on the counterattack, using the pace of their wingers, but neither side managed to create many clear-cut opportunities in the first half.
The teams went into the half-time break with the score tied at 0-0.
The second half saw the game open up, and England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
Following a quick transition, Anthony Gordon found space inside the penalty box and finished a cross from Morgan Rogers past Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to put England up 1-0.
After going a goal down, Argentina began to push more players forward, increasing their attacking pressure and forcing England to defend deeper in their own half.
England manager Tuchel decided to sub off winger Anthony Gordon for centre-back Ezri Konza and put the team in a five-back formation looking to defend the 1-0 lead.
England looked like they might hold on to their lead as the match entered the final ten minutes.
However, Argentina’s persistence paid off in the 85th minute.
Enzo Fernández found space near the edge of the box with a pass from Lionel Messi and hit a strike that beat Jordan Pickford to level the score at 1-1.
With Messi and Argentina continuing to pile on pressure, England dropped deeper and deeper until Argentina struck again in stoppage time.
In the 92nd minute, Lautaro Martínez capitalised on a chance inside the area provided by Lionel Messi and found the back of the net to make it 2-1, completing the late comeback for Argentina.
England tried to throw players forward in the remaining moments of added time, but Argentina’s defence held firm until the final whistle.
With the victory, Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final where they will face Spain.
England exited the tournament at the semi-final stage after a hard-fought performance and what could be seen as a tactical failure.
