Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England in a World Cup semi-final match, marking their fourth consecutive knockout round win this year without holding the lead after 90 minutes. The defending champions scored two goals in under seven minutes with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation time. This dramatic comeback follows similar late-game victories against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in earlier knockout rounds.
Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal, commented on the team’s resilience, stating that they have consistently managed to dig deep even when matches became complicated. He highlighted the team’s ability to turn the game around in stoppage time after falling behind, which he believes defines the group’s never-settle attitude and constant desire for more.
England’s Tactical Approach Questioned
England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, faced scrutiny for his tactical decisions during the match. Appointed in 2024, Tuchel was expected to bring a strategic advantage to England’s World Cup campaign. England initially took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon, a result of an incisive counter-attack.
However, after taking the lead, England’s approach shifted, with the team reportedly retreating into their own penalty area. Critics suggested that England failed to capitalize on their advantage by not introducing pace from the bench, such as players like Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, or Marcus Rashford, to press Argentina or secure the game. Instead, England had minimal attacks after their opening goal, with only one blocked shot from Harry Kane and a counter-attack where Morgan Rogers held onto the ball for too long.
By the hour mark, England was reportedly defending deep in their own penalty area, allowing Lionel Messi to drift into dangerous positions. Despite a save by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from a header by Nico Gonzalez, Tuchel’s subsequent tactical alteration to a back five, bringing on Ezri Konsa as an extra center-back and removing Gordon, was seen by some as a significant error. This defensive strategy, dubbed the ‘Azteca Plan,’ had previously worked in a different context against Mexico, but in this match, it ceded space outside the box to Messi.
Argentina’s Unyielding Spirit
Argentina’s ability to come back from behind has been a defining characteristic of their tournament run. Their fanbase, described as intensely devoted, also played a significant role, with tens of thousands of fans in Messi jerseys creating a powerful atmosphere that reportedly drowned out the opposing team’s anthems and chants. This strong fan presence is considered by some to be an additional advantage for the squad.
The match saw Enzo Fernandez equalize for Argentina, and Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martínez’s winning header. England’s possession from Gordon’s goal to Fernandez’s equalizer was reportedly low, reflecting a radical anti-possession strategy.
The defeat marked a painful exit for England, with players appearing devastated after the final whistle. Many of the England players have been part of the team for multiple semi-final appearances over the past eight years.
Argentina will now advance to the final in New York.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
