Argentina Beats England 2-1 in World Cup Semifinal; Advances to Face Spain in Final
Argentina's defending World Cup champion team scored two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal match in Atlanta on Wednesday, securing a spot in Sunday's final against Spain in what will be their second consecutive World Cup title shot.
Argentina's Late-Game Heroics Secure World Cup Final Spot
Argentina, the death-defying defending World Cup champion, will play for a second consecutive title after scoring two late goals to beat England in the semifinal, 2-1. The match took place in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and represented the sixth meeting between these two nations at the men's World Cup.
A Physical, Storied Rivalry Takes Center Stage
That history includes the infamous "Hand of God" goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup, four years after a war between the two countries over the Falkland Islands. The British won the war, but the sovereignty of the territory is still under dispute. The first half was a street brawl. The second half was ballet with chainsaws.
England's Familiar Pattern of Disappointment
At minute 55, England broke through as Anthony Gordon, streaking down the left side, was set up in a perfect position for a wide cross from Morgan Rogers. All that Gordon needed to do then was nudge it past Martinez. The dreaded offside flag remained holstered, and England held a 1-0 lead. However, the lead would not hold. For England fans, the pain is a familiar one as they watched the team fall short in yet another major tournament knockout game. England lost in the Euros final in both 2024 and 2020, and the last time they reached the World Cup semifinal in 2018, they lost by the same score as Wednesday's match, 2-1, despite scoring first.
Messi's Historic Performance Continues
Messi said, "I have played against everyone except England, and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse, and it is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semifinal." With eight goals in six matches, Messi is enjoying a World Cup campaign like no other as he bids for his first Golden Boot. The Argentine captain was instrumental in both late goals that secured the victory.
For a fourth straight knockout game, Argentina survived a heart-stoppingly close call. Battered but still alive, Argentina now advances to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.