Argentina has secured its place in the FIFA World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England on Wednesday, scoring twice in the closing minutes to deny the English their first final appearance since 1966. According to Antigua News Room, the defending champions will now face Spain in the championship match on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
England had appeared firmly in control after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, finishing from a Morgan Rogers cross. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford then produced a series of outstanding saves to keep Argentina at bay as pressure mounted on the English backline.
The semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta had been a physical affair from the start. Both teams combined for 19 fouls in a scoreless first half in which neither side managed a shot on target.
Argentina's equaliser arrived in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández curled a long-range effort beyond Pickford, after being set up by Lionel Messi. With extra time appearing inevitable, substitute Lautaro MartÃnez headed home the winner in the 92nd minute from a Messi cross to the back post, completing the turnaround within seven minutes.
Victory puts Argentina on the brink of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. For England, the result extends a painful wait for a second World Cup crown, now stretching more than half a century.
