England’s hopes of ending their long wait for another men’s World Cup final disappeared in heartbreaking fashion as Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece against Spain. Thomas Tuchel’s side had one foot in the final after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, only for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to strike in the closing moments and turn the semi-final on its head.
The contest in Atlanta was played in an intense atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium, and that emotion carried onto the pitch. Referee Ismail Elfath faced a difficult evening as repeated fouls disrupted the rhythm throughout a combative opening period.
Argentina threatened first through Fernandez, whose powerful effort from distance narrowly missed the target. England, however, took the lead shortly after the break when Morgan Rogers delivered an inviting cross from the right and Gordon arrived at the far post to finish confidently.
With England ahead, Argentina immediately searched for a response. Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding reaction save to deny Nico Gonzalez, ensuring Tuchel’s team remained in front as the pressure steadily increased.
Argentina seize control with devastating finish
England’s advantage gradually came under increasing strain as Argentina pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Alexis Mac Allister came within inches of scoring when his header struck the post, warning England of what was to come.
The breakthrough for the defending champions finally arrived five minutes from time. Fernandez found space outside the area and unleashed a superb 25-yard strike that beat Pickford and restored parity at a crucial stage of the match.
Rather than settling for extra time, Argentina continued to attack relentlessly. Mac Allister rattled the woodwork once again before the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time.
Lionel Messi supplied a precise cross with his right foot, allowing Martinez to power home a header in the 92nd minute and complete a remarkable comeback that ended England’s World Cup dream.
Tuchel’s defensive approach backfires
England appeared to have the match under control after Gordon’s goal, but their approach changed as the closing stages approached. Instead of pressing for another goal, Tuchel’s side retreated and gradually surrendered possession and territory.
The England manager strengthened his defence by introducing Ezri Konsa for goalscorer Gordon with 18 minutes remaining, while Dan Burn was also brought on as part of an increasingly cautious setup. The switch left England defending deeper and invited sustained Argentine pressure.
Operating with five defenders, England struggled to escape their own penalty area as wave after wave of attacks followed. The defensive plan ultimately failed, with the constant pressure leading to two late goals that transformed the outcome.
The defeat leaves England facing France in the third-place play-off, while another opportunity to reach a first men’s World Cup final since 1966 slips away in agonising fashion.
Messi delivers when it matters most
For much of the evening, Messi was unable to impose himself on the contest, but his influence became decisive during the closing minutes. As Argentina gathered momentum, the veteran captain produced two moments of quality that changed everything.
He first created the equaliser by setting up Fernandez before delivering the cross that Martinez converted for the winning goal. Those decisive contributions ensured Argentina completed their comeback at the perfect time.
The South Americans looked far more dangerous once they focused on their attacking football, overwhelming England after the interval with relentless pressure that eventually broke Tuchel’s side.
Argentina will now attempt to defend their World Cup title against Spain, while Messi has the chance to claim another winners’ medal at the age of 39 in a final that will also feature Spain’s Lamine Yamal.