By Izuchukwu Okosi
Defending Argentina will play Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at the New York, New Jersey Stadium, reports News Legend.
England created the clearer cut chances but there were no shots on target in the first half of an tense World Cup semi-final duel.
The English players were literally bullied by their South American opponents who deployed a physical approach in the first half.
Conversely, England had a telling yellow card handed to Elliot Anderson for a cheeky tackle on Lionel Messi.
The only real threat of scoring perhaps came from Enzo Fernandez whose shot from over 45 yards saw the ball fly way above the English goal post.
Anthony Gordon then broke the deadlock with ten minutes into the second half when he guided Morgan Rogers’ delicate cross into Argentina’s box.
Djed Spence produced a great challenge to stop Simeone as the Albeceleste went for an instant equaliser.
Jordan Pickford denied a blank point goal opportunity after Messi delivered a cross but Enzo Fernandez was unable to latch onto the ball.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez equalised for the defending champions when his superb strike found the net from 25 yards.
There was a quick VAR check as Messi was suspected to be offside before that strike.
Argentina then went ahead in the second minute of added time through Lautaro Martinez who headed home unmarked from a Lionel Messi cross.
Just before the goal, Alex McAllister had seen his low shot come off the foot of the bar before Spence cleared the ball.
Thomas Tuchel introduced the duo of Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney as they sought an unlikely equaliser but it proved too little, too late for the English players.
The Three Lions were bidding to reach first men’s World Cup final since 1966
