Lionel Messi and Argentina are set to face Spain in the World Cup final after a thrilling semi-final victory over England. The match ended in heartbreak for England, who led from the 55th minute after Anthony Gordon’s goal. However, Argentina turned the game around in the final moments. Enzo Fernandez scored a remarkable equalizer from outside the box at 85 minutes, and Lautaro Martinez secured victory with a header in stoppage time, both goals assisted by Messi.
The semi-final was intense and chaotic, with Argentina now scoring 11 goals from the 75th minute onward in this tournament. The rivalry between England and Argentina, simmering for years, was rekindled. Past controversies and historical conflicts were in the spotlight, including references to the Falklands War.
The match was physical from the start. The first notable incident occurred when England’s Elliot Anderson was struck by Fernandez. No immediate action was taken, but tension built with a record 12 fouls and no shots in the opening 30 minutes, according to Opta. The game opened up in the second half. England went ahead with Gordon’s goal, supported by key plays from Djed Spence and Jordan Pickford.
Argentina’s resurgence was led by Messi, whose impact grew as he assisted both equalizer and winning goals. The match set a new record for Messi with 12 World Cup final assists. As the final against Spain looms, Messi aims for a second consecutive World Cup title.
How Argentina Achieved the Comeback
Argentina’s dominance in the closing stages was evident. After conceding, England had only 12% possession in 31 minutes. Their defensive strategy, orchestrated by coach Thomas Tuchel, involved retreating deep. This invited pressure from Argentina’s skillful attackers, leading to a decisive comeback. Messi’s skill in finding open spaces and delivering accurate passes played a crucial role.
Fernandez’s long-range goal changed the game’s momentum. Messi’s cross set up Lautaro’s winning header, underscoring Argentina’s prowess in the tournament’s late stages, contributing to their 11th goal after the 75th minute.
Argentina’s Strategy and Execution
Argentina maintained discipline and composure. After Gordon’s goal, they controlled the game, exploiting England’s defensive posture. Messi found effective positions near the penalty area, creating opportunities for teammates. The equalizer by Fernandez and Lautaro’s goal were a testament to Argentina’s refined gameplay and continued dominance.
Argentina fans celebrated a comeback they anticipated, reaching their third World Cup final in four tournaments.
England’s Tactical Missteps
For England, this defeat was particularly painful. They managed to be in control but fell apart due to tactical decisions. Tuchel’s defensive approach allowed Argentina to gain momentum. The focus on Tuchel’s strategy, rather than player errors, will dominate discussions. England’s decision to sit deep and defend cost them the match, leading to an inevitable Argentine victory.
The Physical Intensity and Refereeing
The match was marked by aggression, anticipated due to historical rivalry. Fans jeering during national anthems fueled tensions seen on the field. Early aggression set the tone, with numerous fouls preventing either side from gaining momentum. Messi’s attempts to evade England’s challenges led to intense battles throughout the game.
Referee Ismail Elfath managed the heated game by limiting early bookings, aiming to maintain control without exacerbating conflicts. His strategy of monitoring aggression with minimal intervention allowed the game to progress without major incidents triggered by officiating decisions, a rare achievement in such a heated contest.
England’s Opening Goal and Defensive Efforts
England initially took the lead with Gordon’s goal following a precise cross from Rogers. This was a strategic move with Kane dropping deep to create space. Despite that, England’s tactical retreat contributed to their eventual downfall. Spence executed a critical challenge, preventing an Argentine goal, showcasing England’s defensive resilience.
Despite these efforts, Argentina’s determination saw them find the net twice after falling behind, setting up a compelling final showdown with Spain.