Argentina triumphed over England with a score of 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) on Wednesday, securing their spot in the World Cup final.
The first half was intensely physical, with neither team managing to generate significant opportunities, resulting in 11 fouls within the first 24 minutes and an expected goals total of just 0.08 at halftime.
However, the game sparked to life in the second half as Argentina created its first real chance through Julián Álvarez. England opened the scoring, though, when Anthony Gordon capitalized at the back post, converting a cross from Morgan Rogers.
Following their goal, England shifted to a more defensive formation, allowing Argentina to build pressure. After an initial scare from Alexis Mac Allister‘s header that struck the post, Enzo Fernández leveled the score with a powerful shot from outside the box.
Even as England maintained a back five position, Lionel Messi remained influential, serving impeccable crosses, including one that found Lautaro Martínez, who capitalized to score the winning goal.
Argentina will now prepare to face Spain in the World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on Sunday.
ENGLAND
1:23
Leboeuf: Tuchel is responsible for England semifinal loss
Positives
England showed promise and worked well in midfield before their tactical shift.
Negatives
After taking the lead, England became overly cautious, focusing on defense from the 72nd minute onward.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Thomas Tuchel 4 — Tuchel’s initial strategy had England performing slightly better, but his decision to transition to a back five when substituting Ezri Konsa for winger Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute ultimately contributed to the team’s defeat.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Jordan Pickford 6 — Pickford made critical saves early in the second half to deny Alvarez and then reacted quickly to stop a header from Nico González. However, he was unable to prevent the equalizer late in the match and was too close to Martinez’s header to make a play.
DF Djed Spence 6 — Spence started strong on the left but had a difficult second half, losing possession before Argentina’s first opportunity and failing to adequately close down Messi on the second goal. He appeared to have sustained an injury as well.
DF Marc Guéhi 4 — Guéhi performed a few necessary interventions but failed to dominate aerial duels against taller opponents.
DF John Stones 4 — Stones stepped up to break up a big chance in the 65th minute, but overall, neither center-back performed well under the back five setup compared to previous matches.
DF Reece James 5 — James contributed to England’s forward play in the first half but ultimately failed to make a significant impact.
MF Elliot Anderson 7 — The Manchester City midfielder was active in midfield battles, winning several duels and delivering the crucial pass that created England’s first goal.
MF Declan Rice 6 — The veteran midfielder found his rhythm as the match progressed, making it surprising when he was substituted in the 82nd minute, likely due to recent fitness issues.
LW Anthony Gordon 8 — The Barcelona winger broke the deadlock for England with a well-timed run and finish, but was replaced by Konsa in a tactical shift aimed at defending the lead.
CAM Jude Bellingham 4 — Bellingham struggled to make an impact going forward other than a single promising run that resulted in a free kick. His failure to mark Enzo Fernandez led to a crucial moment during Argentina’s equalizer.
RW Morgan Rogers 7 — After being given the opportunity to shine, Rogers delivered an assist for the opener, winning the ball back and crossing it expertly into the box.
ST Harry Kane 5 — The captain found himself isolated for much of the match and was unable to produce any real offensive threat. He ended up focusing more on defense after the 72nd minute when England shifted strategy.
Substitutes (players introduced after second half of extra time = no rating)
DF Ezri Konsa (Gordon, 72′) 5 — Konsa’s introduction for Gordon signaled a shift towards more defensive tactics for England, which coincided with their decline in performance.
DF Nico O’Reilly (James, 82′) N/R — O’Reilly brought energy and made an immediate impact with a block against Rodrigo De Paul‘s shot, exerting pressure and forcing Argentina to reset their attacks.
DF Dan Burn (Rice, 82′) N/R — Burn was also tasked with defensive responsibilities, but his introduction came just before England conceded two late goals.
LW Marcus Rashford (Spence, 90+6′) — Rashford had limited time to influence the game in stoppage time.
ST Ivan Toney (Stones, 90+6′) — Brought on to bolster England’s late attacking efforts.
ARGENTINA
1:09
Buenos Aires reacts as Argentina book their place in the World Cup final
Positives
Argentina showed tactical brilliance following their setback and ultimately took command of the game.
Negatives
The team struggled to create scoring opportunities early on and went behind before rebounding.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Lionel Scaloni 10 — Scaloni’s adjustments and substitutions proved pivotal after falling behind. His ability to read the game and exploit England’s defensive weaknesses led Argentina to victory.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Emiliano Martínez 6 — Martínez had a straightforward first half, with few challenges outside of a free kick from Reece James. He was beaten by Gordon’s goal but remained active without much to do afterward.
DF Nicolás Tagliafico 6 — Tagliafico strategically pushed forward but encountered difficulties against Rogers. He improved significantly after conceding the first goal.
DF Lisandro Martínez 6 — The Manchester United defender provided solid coverage and made crucial clearances despite a booking for halting a counterattack.
DF Cristian Romero 6 — Romero contributed defensively by applying pressure early but also received a yellow card.
DF Nahuel Molina 3 — Molina faced criticism for a reckless foul leading to a free kick and allowed Gordon to score by losing focus.
MF Enzo Fernández 8 — Fernández shone in a crucial moment, striking from distance with precision to equalize after contributing to the setup.
MF Alexis Mac Allister 7 — Amid a fierce midfield contest, Mac Allister held the fort well and shared the spotlight with a header that struck the post.
MF Leandro Paredes 5 — Paredes provided defensive cover and pushed back against Bellingham, displaying combative attributes without receiving a caution in the first half.
MF Giuliano Simeone 5 — Simeone was active in pressing but was substituted after conceding the initial goal.
FW Julián Álvarez 6 — Álvarez created Argentina’s first real chance but was ultimately stopped by Pickford.
FW Lionel Messi 9 — Messi’s impact grew after Argentina fell behind. Displaying his signature skill and playmaking, he delivered the decisive assist to Martínez for the winning goal.
Substitutes (players introduced after second half of extra time = no rating)
Nico González (Paredes, 64′) 6 — González made timely runs into the box and became an aerial asset.
Rodrigo De Paul (Simeone, 72′) 6 — De Paul had an immediate effect with a cross that set up a near goal for Mac Allister.
Nicolás Otamendi (Lisandro Martínez, 72′) 6 — Otamendi’s substitution had little impact due to the team’s defensive posture.
Gonzalo Montiel (Molina, 72′) 6 — Montiel helped create space for playmakers with his runs.
Lautaro Martínez (Tagliafico, 81′) N/R — Martínez provided the game-winning contribution by heading in the decisive goal from Messi’s cross in stoppage time.