Tuchel credits Argentina risk after England’s World Cup exit

Thomas Tuchel did not dress up England’s World Cup heartbreak after Argentina turned a deficit into a 2-1 win and a ticket to the final.

Speaking after the elimination, the England manager said Argentina had taken the bolder approach and deserved to go through, according to Telemundo Deportes. Tuchel said Argentina “played with more risk” and that the result was “deserved.”

The match had started England’s way. Telemundo’s match coverage identified Anthony Gordon as the scorer of the opening goal, finishing what it described as a strong team move to put England 1-0 ahead.

Argentina, the reigning world champion, answered through Enzo Fernández before Lautaro Martínez scored the goal that made it 2-1, according to Telemundo’s World Cup coverage. The comeback sent Argentina into the final and left England processing another painful exit.

Tuchel: England came close, then faded

Tuchel said England had produced its best performance of the tournament, Telemundo reported, but he also pointed to a shift after the team got in front.

In a separate Telemundo clip, Tuchel was quoted as saying he was disappointed because England had been close, but had become “very passive.” That line matched the shape of the night: early control for England, then Argentina pushing back until the game flipped.

Tuchel also gave credit to Argentina for recovering after conceding first. Telemundo said the England coach praised the world champion for overturning the match after falling behind.

The result continued Argentina’s chase for another World Cup star. Telemundo’s coverage framed the win as another final for Lionel Messi, with the Argentina captain shown celebrating as England’s players absorbed the defeat.

Argentina celebrates, England absorbs the blow

The scenes after the final whistle split the stadium in two moods. Telemundo showed Argentina celebrating the move into the final, while England dealt with what its coverage called a painful elimination.

Harry Kane’s reaction was short and raw. In Telemundo’s post-match coverage, the England captain was quoted saying he was “devastated.”

On the Argentine side, coach Lionel Scaloni celebrated the qualification and was quoted by Telemundo saying, “We are unique.” Lautaro Martínez, who scored the decisive goal, said in Telemundo’s coverage that he had always dreamed of scoring that goal.

Former Argentina player Maxi Rodríguez also weighed in during Telemundo’s programming, saying England “was afraid to win.” That was Rodríguez’s view, while Tuchel’s own explanation focused on England becoming passive and Argentina accepting more risk.

For Argentina, the night ended with another final on the calendar. For England, it ended with Tuchel facing the cameras, crediting the opponent, and admitting how close his side had been before the match slipped away.

This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.