Argentina snatch final spot after late World Cup comeback against England
Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez struck late as Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta to reach another World Cup final.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Argentina were five minutes from trouble in Atlanta. Then the World Cup holders did what champions do: they found two late goals, broke England hearts and booked another final.
ESPN reported that Argentina beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal, keeping alive their bid for back-to-back titles. England led early in the second half through Anthony Gordon and were chasing a first World Cup final since 1966.
The night turned in a flash. Enzo Fernández levelled in the 85th minute with a 20-yard strike, according to ESPN, before Lautaro Martínez headed in from Lionel Messi’s cross three minutes into stoppage time.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final at New York/New Jersey Stadium. ESPN identified Spain as the European champions.
England had it, then lost it
For long spells, England looked ready to make history. ESPN reported that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a run of high-level saves while Argentina pushed for a way back, and missed chances also kept the defending champions waiting.
Gordon’s goal put England in position to end a 60-year wait to reach another World Cup final. But after taking the lead, England created little. ESPN’s James Olley wrote that England had only three shots after Gordon scored and none after the 78th minute.
Olley also noted that Thomas Tuchel’s side had used a similar plan against Mexico and Norway: protect a lead with a back five when out of possession. Against Argentina, ESPN’s analysis said England lost ground and invited pressure late, echoing previous tournament exits against Croatia in 2018 and Italy at Euro 2020.
Messi helps turn the screw
Messi did not score, but ESPN credited him with central roles in both late Argentina goals. He found Fernández near the edge of the area before the equalizer, then crossed for Martínez to win it in stoppage time.
ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano wrote that Argentina’s experience at this stage showed. Alexis Mac Allister had said Tuesday that playing in World Cup semifinals before was “a plus,” while adding that it guaranteed nothing. Argentina had reached this round in 2014 and 2022.
Mac Allister also made his mark on the game. ESPN’s Tom Hamilton wrote that the midfielder hit the woodwork twice, helping Argentina build belief before the late surge.
Scaloni’s bench call pays off
ESPN’s Mark Ogden credited Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni’s substitutions as a key part of the comeback. Scaloni had started Giuliano Simeone in place of Rodrigo De Paul, a call ESPN described as questionable, but adjusted after halftime.
Ogden wrote that Tuchel turned first to defensive changes, bringing on Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly before using Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney only after Argentina had gone ahead.
Scaloni, meanwhile, sent on Martínez in the 81st minute. Within minutes, Argentina had their winner, and England had another chapter of late tournament pain.
The final is set: Argentina against Spain, with Messi and the reigning champions one win from another World Cup crown.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.