Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to come from behind and beat England 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, setting up a final against Spain.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared on course for their first men’s World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead early in the second half.
However, Argentina produced a dramatic late fightback as Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to send the defending champions into Sunday’s final.
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England will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will attempt to retain the World Cup title against Spain.
The semi-final at Atlanta Stadium was played in an intense atmosphere, with both sides involved in a physical contest during a first half that featured 19 fouls.
Argentina came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval through Enzo Fernandez, whose long-range effort drifted just wide, but neither side found a breakthrough before half-time.
England opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the right for Anthony Gordon to finish at the far post.
Argentina increased the pressure after falling behind and nearly equalised when Nico Gonzalez’s header was tipped away by Jordan Pickford.
Alexis Mac Allister then headed against the post as England came under sustained pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute when Fernandez beat Pickford with a powerful strike from 25 yards to level the match.
Mac Allister struck the woodwork again as Argentina continued to push forward before Lautaro Martinez completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, turning home the winning goal to send Lionel Scaloni’s side into the World Cup final.
The result ends England’s hopes of reaching the final for the first time in 60 years, while Argentina remain on course to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
