By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: FIFA.
The reigning champions Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and reached their second World Cup final in a row, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
The great rivalry between these nations has produced several memorable contests on the World Cup stage through the years.
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, as Anthony Gordon volleyed home a goal off a long cross from Morgan Rogers.
Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and got their reward as Enzo Fernandez levelled before Lautaro Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with Lionel Messi providing the pass for the equaliser and the cross for the winner.
The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football’s fiercest rivalries, a contest rich in history, emotion and tension from the opening whistle.
For England, dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966, when they enjoyed their only triumph at the global tournament, were dashed in the closing stages, while Argentina celebrated a comeback that kept alive their quest for another world title.
Manager Thomas Tuchel said he wouldn’t do anything differently.
“In the moment, no regrets,” Tuchel said. “The team gave everything and we were very, very close.”
He added: “We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match. … The team was tough, and we couldn’t bring it over the line.”
While England missed out on their first FIFA World Cup final in 60 years, Argentina now have the chance to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962.
“They got tired,” Martinez said. “They pressed for 60 minutes and then just ran out of steam. They got their goal and then sat back. That gave us more composure to move the ball around and stretch the pitch.”