Argentina scored twice in the final minutes to secure a 2-1 victory over England and book a place in the FIFA World Cup 26™ final against Spain.
Anthony Gordon had given England a deserved lead early in the second-half but Thomas Tuchel’s side offered little in attack henceforth and paid the price, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late on to claim a famous win for Argentina.
With Spain awaiting the victors in the final in New Jersey this weekend, it was perhaps understandable that the opening half was cagey and devoid of chances, with more fouls and misplaced passes than attempts on goal.
The half-time break seemed to help lift the energy and excitement and England wasted little time to making their mark. Morgan Rogers pounced onto a headed clearance wide on the right, before crossing low for the on-rushing Gordon to tuck the ball past Emiliano Martinez.
Rather than try and press home their advantage however, England were content to sit on their lead, getting progressively deeper in their own half as Argentina dominated possession.
Predictably, they eventually paid the price for it. Enzo Fernandez had tested Jordan Pickford with an effort from range just moments earlier and England didn’t heed the warning. From the resulting corner, Fernandez was found on the edge of the area again and this time he made no mistake – curling an excellent effort into the far corner to level matters.
Argentina were on a roll and just six minutes later, the turnaround was complete. A short corner routine led to Lionel Messi clipping a cross into the area and substitute Lautaro Martinez found himself unmarked, powering his header home from close range.
Tuchel made some late changes – bringing on Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney – but Argentina handily held on, with Emiliano Martinez untested for the remainder of the match.
Argentina will now face Spain, looking to become just the second nation in history to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups™.
RESULT
England 1 (Anthony GORDON 55′) Argentina 2 (Enzo FERNANDEZ 85′, Lautaro MARTINEZ 90+2′)
WHAT’S NEXT
Playoff for 3rd place
Sunday, July 19
France v England | 9am NZT (Miami)
Photo Credit: FIFA via Getty Images