England suffer World Cup semifinal heartbreak as Argentina complete comeback
· Yahoo Sports
The sixty years of hurt continues. And the anguish feels more acute than ever.
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The FIFA World Cup final was within reach as England's heroes threw their bodies into battle and came closer than any team since lifting the trophy in 1966. But just when it seemed destiny was calling, England yielded to Argentina's intensity and mental fortitude, which, regrettably, they still lack when it comes to crossing the finish line.
Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez found the net as Argentina mounted a remarkable late comeback to shatter England's dreams in stoppage time. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, but one goal was never going to suffice and, despite their best efforts, Thomas Tuchel's squad couldn't muster another reply, as per The Mirror.
-Credit:Ian MacNicol, Getty ImagesWith Gordon having broken the deadlock, the Three Lions were five minutes from their first final since 1966. But an equalizer from Fernandez and a stoppage time winner from Martinez guaranteed the world champions will meet Spain to defend their crown on Sunday.
It marked England's fourth semifinal in eight years and unquestionably the finest era since they captured the trophy in 1966. But following the devastation of Turin in 1990, the crushing disappointment in Moscow in 2018, England were determined to make it third time lucky on the grandest platform.
Tuchel has emerged as the Tinkerman of this World Cup with his frequent rotations, and the semifinal produced his boldest selection yet. Morgan Rogers started on the right, wholesale changes were made at fullback with Reece James and Djed Spence coming in, and it felt like one enormous roll of the dice.
Yet that undoubtedly reflected the significant impact Rogers made as a substitute against Norway, and Tuchel left nobody in any doubt that he felt his side had underperformed in the quarterfinal.
Ultimately, this game is driven more by passion than tactics. The history and rivalry stretches far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. The noise, the atmosphere, the buildup, and the tension were simply overwhelming.
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The intensity escalated even before kickoff. Argentina fans sang and drowned out God Save The King. England fans returned the favor for the national anthem.
The tension, atmosphere, and passion were almost tangible. This is what the World Cup is all about. A genuine rivalry, a deep-seated soccer animosity, and an unforgettable moment in history.
That passion instantly transferred to the players. Tackles were flying in; it was brutal and cynical. You could see it written across the players' faces.
There is a long-held theory that it means more to Argentina. That they possess a winning mentality. But England looked magnificently fired up, they were primed and ready, and met fire with fire.
Fernandez lunged into a tackle on Elliot Anderson, beginning round one. Boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer had introduced the teams before kickoff, and his presence seemed fitting given the physicality on display.
-Credit:Buda Mendes, Getty ImagesLionel Messi kept his distance from the chaos. Argentina's super featherweight operated at his own leisurely tempo. Then he would emerge to deliver a corner, thread a pass, or glide into space. Underestimating him remains as costly as ever.
Right on cue, Declan Rice's wayward pass triggered a Messi counterattack. Four England players - with Anderson picking up a yellow card - were required to halt his progress.
The momentum subtly shifted in Argentina's favor. This is a makeshift, veteran Argentina squad, yet their determination to prevail remains formidable.
Shortly after the break, Spence twice lost track of Julian Alvarez, and England narrowly escaped punishment. Alvarez was swarmed in the first instance and subsequently blasted the ball into the side-netting.
Then everything transformed. Rogers had been subdued but sprang to life when Rice released him down the right flank. Rogers sent over a low, teasing and brilliant cross, and Gordon timed his run to sheer perfection, getting in front of full back Nahuel Molina to guide it home.
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What a moment. The stadium came alive. Suddenly, we had a game. England battled, scrapped, and fought. Spence produced a spectacular recovery tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone, and the England full back wheeled away celebrating as though he'd scored. It felt like he had.
It set the tone. It was a night for heroes. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a spectacular diving save to thwart Nico Gonzalez.
Following the second-half water break, the Three Lions were fortunate when Mac Allister struck the upright with a header.
The signs were evident, yet England failed to respond. Tuchel summoned defensive backup, but first Fernandez and subsequently Martinez guaranteed the decades of disappointment will extend past 60.