Argentina defeats England to advance to FIFA World Cup finals
Argentina defeated England 2-1 and booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup finals. Seth Bartelny and Megan Hall have advanced through the semi-finals and will look to face Spain.
They can’t keep getting away with it.
Argentina entered the 84th minute with a goal behind England in the World Cup semi-final. It was exactly the same as the 78th minute in the Round of 16 match against Egypt, held in the same building, with a two-goal lead. Just like they lost the lead in the other two knockout matches.
It simply didn’t matter.
Enzo Fernandes’ long shot. A powerful header from Lautaro Martinez. And above all, Lionel Messi’s versatile left foot.
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The team’s 2-1 win over England earned them a place in the World Cup finals, joining Argentina’s ever-growing list of jaw-dropping moments at the World Cup.
This is a characteristic of the Argentine team.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni told television cameras after the game: “I have no words. I have no words. It’s a joy for this country and for our fans.” “I said the other day that this group never ceases to amaze me, to be honest. We’re going to win, we’re going to give it our all, but what happens after that? It’s really difficult, trying to get people to understand what the players are showing. It’s impressive.”
Rope against small Cape Verde? Stay calm, find Messi and stick to your plan. 2 points difference against Egypt? Don’t panic and play like you would at 0-0. Swiss counterattack? Hey, you know what worked before. And now he’s looking to score a goal and break through England’s defense, which has clogged the area? Don’t change anything.
England fans, the English press and the England manager himself will never stop wondering what would have happened if Thomas Tuchel had been as brave as his colleagues in Cape Verde and Egypt and turned the tables in search of a second goal, rather than trying to protect his one-goal lead over Messi and co.
Already, the Three Lions were able to showcase their talent. His quickness in transition and ability to weave past right-back Nahuel Molina meant that Messi was often isolated in the final third when he was still trying to complete an attacking play.
But instead of dropping to the bench and finding a player who could push Argentina to the limit and double their lead, Tuchel went on the defensive. Anthony Gordon was replaced by Ezri Konsa. Nico O’Reilly replaced Declan Rice. Huge Dan Byrne was also called upon as Tuchel looked to capitalize on his size advantage.
It fared less well for England than it did for Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and the other teams left behind on their way to the final: Scaloneta.
There was a lingering feeling that Argentina might be the team of destiny, but perhaps it would be better to describe them as a team that never stops until the final whistle blows.
There was also more emotion in Messi’s first match against England, a country with whom Argentina has a history of many rivalries on the soccer field and hostility off the field.
“I used to say it was just a soccer game, but during the national anthem, I think I started to feel that it was something different, something special, without putting aside the fact that it was a game,” Messi said. “Nobody wanted to lose it, the Argentine people didn’t want to lose to England, they wanted the job.
“We went through that, but thanks to God we won it, sent them off and were able to play in the World Cup final again. It was a happy day for all Argentines.”
Providing the greatest left-footed attacker of all time with a shooting gallery meant that Messi was essentially free to create tee chances, with Fernandes at the top of the box already given the chance to fire a long-range shot. He wasn’t going to miss out twice.
Just as the opener against Egypt in Atlanta seemed doomed, the staff on the field suggested it would be difficult for England to do anything but endure and pray.
Prayers went unanswered as Argentina’s closest thing to a mortal god since Diego Maradona started his career. The 39-year-old Messi replaced Lautaro Martinez and put in a cross, which the Inter forward nodded in. Overtime? No need. This Argentine team would do it in 90 minutes.
“I dreamed of it. I swear to you, I told Alexis that I was going to score. I told Fac Medina on the bench that I was going to come in and we would win,” Lautaro said after the game. “It’s hard to say. Enzo also scored a great goal. At the end of the day, I’m satisfied enough to say that this team continues to show what it’s about.”
Another knockout game required a hectic counterattack, which has become a trademark of this Argentine team, whether they want it or not.
Argentina can’t keep running away like this – except Albiceleste only needs one more go to defend their title and win the World Cup again.
