England suffered World Cup heartbreak on Wednesday night with two late goals in seven minutes giving Argentina a 2-1 comeback win and place in the final against Spain on Sunday. The dramatic semifinal at MetLife Stadium in New York saw Lionel Messi provide two assists to shatter England's dreams of reaching their first men's World Cup final since 1966.
Match Overview: How Argentina Turned the Tide
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who finished a swift counter-attack to put the Three Lions ahead. For the next 30 minutes, Thomas Tuchel's side appeared destined for a historic victory, adopting defensive tactics that frustrated Argentina's attack.
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However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area to equalize, with Messi providing the assist. Then, deep into injury time, Lautaro Martínez scored a close-range header from another Messi delivery to seal Argentina's place in the final.
Key Moments and Tactical Analysis
Tuchel's substitutions came under heavy criticism after the match. The head coach brought on three defenders—Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O'Reilly—switching to a 5-3-2 formation in an attempt to preserve the 1-0 lead. Gordon was substituted in the 72nd minute, a move that many pundits felt removed England's attacking threat.
Harry Kane, England's captain and top scorer with six goals in the tournament, admitted the team became too defensive after taking the lead. "Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just sit back," Kane said post-match. "Against a team like Argentina, you cannot give them that much possession."
Comparison: England vs Argentina Key Stats
| Statistic | England | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 7 |
| Goals Scored | 1 | 2 |
| Substitutions Used | 5 (all defensive) | 3 (2 attacking) |
What’s Next for England and Argentina
England will now face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Argentina prepares for a blockbuster final against Spain on Sunday. That match will be Lionel Messi's final appearance on the World Cup stage, adding extra significance to the encounter.
Controversy also surrounded the Argentina players' post-match celebrations, as some displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" in reference to the Falkland Islands dispute. FIFA may take disciplinary action over the political statement.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina scored two goals in the final seven minutes to win 2-1 and reach the World Cup final.
- England's defensive tactics backfired after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon.
- Lionel Messi provided assists for both Argentina goals, cementing his legacy.
- Harry Kane remains in the Golden Boot race with six goals, behind Messi and Mbappé on eight.
- England faces France in the third-place playoff; Argentina meets Spain in the final.
FAQ
Who scored for Argentina in the World Cup semifinal?
Enzo Fernández scored the equalizer in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in injury time, both assisted by Lionel Messi.
Why was Thomas Tuchel criticized after the match?
Tuchel made five defensive substitutions after England took the lead, switching to a 5-3-2 formation, which pundits and fans blamed for inviting Argentina's pressure.
What is the Golden Boot race update?
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead with eight goals each, while Harry Kane has six goals before England's third-place playoff against France.
Could FIFA take disciplinary action against Argentina?
Yes, Argentina players displayed a political banner referencing the Falkland Islands, which may violate FIFA's rules against political statements on the field.
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