Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semifinal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as two late goals overturned a second-half deficit and sent the defending champions through to the final.
The match remained scoreless at halftime following a physical and tense opening period. The teams combined for 19 fouls and two yellow cards, with neither goalkeeper forced into a save . Consequently, the deadlock finally broke in the 55th minute.
Midfielder Declan Rice initiated the attack with a quick flick to the wing, and forward Morgan Rogers delivered a cross across the mouth of the goal. Forward Anthony Gordon then knocked the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with his right foot to give England the lead.
However, the lead proved short-lived as Argentina launched a sustained assault in the final stages. England’s defense eventually buckled under pressure. Substitute forward Lautaro Martinez found the net to level the score, igniting the Argentine supporters.
Shortly after, center-back Cristian Romero rose highest to head home from a set-piece, completing the comeback and sending Argentina into the final against Spain.
The early stages of the match were defined by rugged challenges and a lack of clear cut chances. Referee Ismail Elfath briefly stopped play just minutes into the game in an attempt to calm the players.
Despite his intervention, the physical style continued unabated. England’s Elliot Anderson received the first yellow card in the 38th minute for a hard tackle on Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez was also booked later in the half.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had urged his players to combine their trademark grit with their attacking quality. Defender Alexis Mac Allister also highlighted the team’s focus on their own performance, stating, “Our focus is on ourselves first.” The victory secured Argentina a spot in Sunday’s final against Spain.
