Defending champions Argentina booked their place in another showpiece tournament final after pulling off a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in a gripping semi-final clash.
The dramatic victory preserves La Albiceleste’s legendary status of never having lost a World Cup semi-final, making it a perfect six-out-of-six record in the tournament’s penultimate stage.
How England Stunned Argentina Before the Late Comeback
The fierce historical rivalry between these two footballing giants was palpable from the opening whistle, with physical play leading to seven fouls in just the first ten minutes.
While the first half remained a tightly contested, cagey affair with very few clear-cut chances, the match exploded into life shortly after the interval.
England struck first in the 55th minute when Declan Rice freed Morgan Rogers down the right flank.
Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, allowing Anthony Gordon to ghost past his marker and cushion a close-range finish past the Argentinian goalkeeper, sending the English fans into raptures.
Argentina Seals FIFA World Cup Final Spot with Dramatic Turnaround
Going behind sparked immediate urgency from Lionel Scaloni’s men, who began to relentlessly pressure the English backline.
After striking the woodwork and being denied by several spectacular reflex saves from Jordan Pickford, Argentina finally found their breakthrough.
Enzo Fernández unleashed a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area, burying his shot into the far corner to restore parity.
With momentum entirely on their side, Argentina completed the turnaround in the dying moments of the match. Lionel Messi delivered a sublime cross into the box, finding an unmarked Lautaro Martínez who clinically headed home the winner.
Argentina will now face Spain in a historic final in New York as Scaloni aims for his second consecutive World Cup title, while a devastated England squad heads to Miami to face France.