Argentina produced another dramatic comeback on Wednesday, overturning a second-half deficit to defeat England 2-1 and secure their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.
After a cautious opening period in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, the match came to life after the break. England struck first in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Argentina as Anthony Gordon found the back of the net to put the Three Lions ahead.
Rather than discouraging Lionel Scaloni’s side, the goal appeared to ignite the defending champions. Argentina gradually took control of the game, increasing the pressure and creating a series of chances as England retreated deeper into their own half.
The English defense held firm for much of the second half, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a string of impressive saves to preserve his side’s advantage. But with Argentina continuing to push forward, the resistance finally broke five minutes from time.
Enzo Fernández found space outside the box and unleashed a superb strike in the 85th minute to level the score and shift the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favor.
Buoyed by the equalizer, Argentina kept pressing in search of a winner and completed the turnaround in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Lionel Messi delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martínez rose to head home and send Argentina into Sunday’s final.
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title they won in Qatar in 2022 and claiming a fourth World Cup crown. They will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, after La Roja defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
For England, the defeat brought an end to an impressive campaign in which they emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest teams. Thomas Tuchel’s men will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.
