Argentina Stun England With Late Comeback to Reach Back-to-Back World Cup Finals
ATLANTA, Georgia, U.S.: Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, booking a place in a second consecutive World Cup final and ending England’s hopes of reaching their first men's final since 1966.
After a tense and physical first half, England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers' cross at the far post, putting Thomas Tuchel's side within touching distance of a historic final.
The defending champions refused to surrender. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced several important saves as Argentina increased the pressure, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork during a sustained attacking spell.
Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández unleashed a superb long-range strike beyond Pickford to level the match. The equaliser shifted momentum completely, leaving England struggling to withstand relentless Argentine attacks.
Deep into stoppage time, Lionel Messi delivered a precise cross into the penalty area where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winning goal, completing a remarkable comeback and sending Argentina into Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.
England, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another painful World Cup exit despite holding the lead for much of the second half. Tuchel's tactical switch to a more defensive approach after Gordon's goal invited sustained Argentine pressure, a decision that ultimately proved costly as the Three Lions conceded twice in the closing moments.
The match was fiercely contested from the opening whistle, with numerous fouls disrupting play before England briefly seized control after halftime. However, Argentina's experience, composure and attacking quality proved decisive when it mattered most.
Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, while England will take on France in the third-place playoff.
Most Unique Fact
Lionel Messi created Argentina's stoppage-time winner with a perfectly weighted cross for Lautaro Martínez, sending the defending champions into a second straight World Cup final.