Argentina Stuns England with Late Comeback to Reach World Cup Final

Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday and book its place in the FIFA World Cup final against Spain.

The defending champions looked headed for elimination after Anthony Gordon gave England a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute, finishing from a Morgan Rogers cross.

England appeared on course for its first World Cup final since 1966, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford producing several outstanding saves to deny Argentina as pressure mounted.

The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández curled a long-range effort beyond Pickford after being set up by Lionel Messi to level the match.

With extra time looming, Argentina completed the turnaround in second-half stoppage time. Messi delivered a cross to the back post in the 92nd minute, where substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner.

The semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was a physical contest from the outset. The teams combined for 19 fouls in the first half, which ended scoreless without either side registering a shot on target.

Anthony Gordon’s opener sparked the match into life, but Argentina responded with sustained pressure before Fernández and Martínez struck within seven minutes to send the South American side through.

Argentina will meet Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as it seeks to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles.

England’s wait for a second World Cup crown, and its first since 1966, continues after another semifinal heartbreak.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Argentina shocks England 2-1 to advance to the World Cup final against Spain.