
Online Desk
Argentina once again proved their fighting
spirit by staging a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World
Cup semifinal, securing a place in the final for the second consecutive
tournament. Lionel Scaloni's side will face Spain in the title decider next
Sunday in New Jersey.
The first half in Atlanta was fiercely
contested, featuring intense physical battles and several fouls, but neither
side managed to break the deadlock.
England took the lead in the 55th minute when
Anthony Gordon finished a cross from Morgan Rogers. Trailing 1-0, Argentina
increased the pressure. Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork twice, while
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of outstanding saves to
deny the reigning champions.
Argentina finally equalized in the 85th
minute through Enzo Fernández, who fired home from outside the box after a pass
from Lionel Messi. Deep into stoppage time (90+2), substitute Lautaro Martínez
headed in Messi's pinpoint cross to complete a stunning 2-1 comeback victory.
Although Messi did not score, he created both
of Argentina's goals with two assists. The captain was a constant threat down
the right flank, completing nine successful dribbles throughout the match.
According to World Cup records dating back to 1966, Messi became the first
player to record nine successful dribbles and two assists in a single
World Cup knockout match.
England's hopes of reaching their first World
Cup final since 1966 were shattered by Argentina's late turnaround. Meanwhile,
Argentina now stand one victory away from becoming only the third nation in
history to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
The much-anticipated World Cup final will see defending champions Argentina take on European powerhouse Spain next Sunday in New Jersey.