Argentina booked their place in a second successive FIFA World Cup final after staging a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 in an enthralling semi-final at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
England looked set to end decades of World Cup heartbreak when Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead 10 minutes into the second half following a disciplined and energetic display. The Three Lions defended resolutely for much of the contest, frustrating the defending champions and limiting Lionel Messi’s influence for long spells.
But Argentina once again showed the resilience that has defined their title defence.
With England retreating deeper in the closing stages, Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 86th minute. Midfielder Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful strike from outside the area after a cleverly worked short corner, leaving England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with no chance and swinging the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favour.
As the match drifted into stoppage time, Messi produced the decisive moment. The veteran captain delivered an inviting cross to the far post, where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winner and spark wild celebrations among the Argentina supporters.
The dramatic turnaround sent Lionel Scaloni’s men into Sunday’s final, where they will face Spain in a repeat of one of international football’s biggest showpieces. Argentina are now just one victory away from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
For England, it was another agonising near miss on the biggest stage. After holding the lead for more than 30 minutes, Tuchel’s side were left devastated as their hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 disappeared in the closing moments.
Despite the disappointment, England will have little time to recover as they prepare to face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina turn their attention to a mouth-watering final against Spain as they chase back-to-back world crowns.
