One of the most anticipated World Cup semi-finals concluded at the stadium in New York. The Argentina national team emerged victorious in a tense battle against England with a score of 2:1. The winning goal was scored by Lautaro Martinez, assisted by the legend of world football, Lionel Messi. This victory sent the "albiceleste" to the tournament final, where they will face the Spanish.
First half: goalless struggle
The match began with more emotional struggle than football attacks. Already in the 4th minute, players staged a scuffle in the center of the field due to episodes involving Leo Messi and defender Anderson. Although passions subsided closer to the middle of the half, fouls continued to be committed on both sides.
Statistics by the 30th minute were depressing for fans: neither team had recorded shots or goal-scoring opportunities, yet there were 14 fouls. Only towards the end of the first half did the English manage to create several dangerous moments, to which the Argentines responded with a long-range shot by Enzo Fernandez.
Second half: Gordon's goal and the counter-attack
The start of the second half of the game became more productive. First, Julian Alvarez made the English goalkeeper Pickford nervous. The decisive moment came in the 55th minute: Morgan Rodgers perfectly cut the ball into the penalty area, where Anthony Gordon outpaced the defenders and opened the score.
The English goal forced their team to sit back on their own half of the field, allowing the Argentines to seize the initiative. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez equalized with a long-range shot, returning the match to an even position.
The final note and the path to the title
The decisive episode occurred in stoppage time. Lionel Messi, demonstrating his class, found Lautaro Martinez in the penalty area, who capitalized on the pass and snatched victory for the Argentina national team. The final whistle confirmed the score of 2:1.
Now, at the stadium in New York, the Spain and Argentina national teams will fight for the title of World Champion. The final will take place on Sunday, July 19, at 22:00. Meanwhile, the teams of France and England will play for the bronze medals on the same day at 00:00.
