Kolkata: Defending champion Argentina staged a stunning late fightback in semi final to defeat England 2-1 and advance to Sunday’s final against Spain in New York New Jersey.
Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez, with the help of two Lionel Messi assists, struck the late goals in a dramatic turnaround in Atlanta just as England were closing in on their first final in 60 years, following Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal. Instead Lionel Scaloni’s men can now look forward to their seventh World Cup final, and stand a step away from retaining their world crown.
At 39 years and 21 days old, Messi became the oldest outfield player to make an appearance in a World Cup semi-final beating previous record holders Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren who were both 37 years and 236 days old when playing against each other for West Germany and Sweden respectively in 1958.
Messi’s 2 assists increased his tally to 12 in FIFA World Cup history, most by any players. 10 of the assists came in knockout matches, no other players since 1966 has more than 8.
This eagerly-awaited revival of one of international football’s great rivalries ended with a repeat of the scoreline in their most famous encounter in Mexico 40 years ago. It certainly began in feisty fashion. It was cagey and intensely contested and not until the 33rd minute did either side produce an attempt on goal. That was when John Stones nodded wide from a Declan Rice free-kick at the far post. At the other end, Fernandez flashed a fierce shot over.
Both these teams had to dig deep to get this far. Both had found moments of inspiration when it was most needed. Julian Alvarez sought to conjure one such moment soon after the restart, getting beyond Djed Spence following a long ball forward and drawing a smart save from Jordan Pickford at his near post.
Instead, the breakthrough came at the other end when Morgan Rogers, one of three players brought back into England’s starting XI, delivered a terrific low cross from the right. Gordon, arriving at the back post, got in front of Nahuel Molina to steer an excellent controlled finish into the corner of Emiliano Martinez’s goal.
Another of the starters reinstated by Thomas Tuchel, Spence made a brilliant goalsaving tackle in 58th minute inside the penalty box to deny Giuliano Simeone but the close calls continued as England sat increasingly deep and Argentina’s pressure grew. Substitute Nico Gonzalez saw his header foiled by a fine Jordan Pickford save, while Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post.
Eventually, the pressure told as following a short-corner routine Messi squared the ball to Fernandez and he unleashed a magnificent shot from outside the box that flew past Pickford to his right.
Then, in added time, Mac Allister’s shot struck a post but Messi recycled the danger, delivering a right-foot cross that Martinez buried at the far post.
Football World will now witness an iconic final between Argentina and Spain – the 2 contenders of Finalissima 2026 that was cancelled.
Brief Scorecard –
England : 1 (Gordon 55′)
Argentina: 2 ( Enzo Fernandez 85′, L. Martinez 90+2′)
