Staff Reporter
ATLANTA – Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, setting up a blockbuster final against Spain.
England looked on course to reach their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions into the lead in the 55th minute.
However, Lionel Messi inspired another remarkable Argentine fightback as Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner in stoppage time to seal victory.
Messi, playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, provided the assist for Fernandez’s equaliser before delivering the cross that Martinez converted to send Argentina into Sunday’s final.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed his players’ resilience after another comeback victory.
“We are truly unique, and that’s not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I’m lost for words. It is a joy for our country and our people,” said Scaloni.
England had defended resolutely for much of the match after taking the lead, but sustained Argentine pressure eventually broke through as Fernandez unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area to level the scores.
Moments later, Alexis Mac Allister struck the post before Messi recovered possession and delivered a pinpoint cross for Martinez to head home the decisive goal in the 92nd minute.
Martinez said scoring the winner fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“This is really emotional. The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal. It was really tough today, but this team continues to show what it is made of,” he said.
England captain Harry Kane expressed disappointment after his side surrendered their advantage in the closing stages.
“We are gutted. We played well for most of the game, but once we went 1-0 up, we tried to hold on. At this level, that is not enough,” Kane said.
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.
“The team gave everything and we were very, very close. At the moment, I have no regrets because the players left everything on the pitch,” he said.
The result extended Argentina’s unbeaten run in the tournament and kept alive their bid to retain the World Cup title.
The South Americans will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, while England will have to settle for the third-place play-off after another painful World Cup exit.
