Share to ClassroomArgentina Beat England, Reach World Cup Final
Argentina beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. They scored two very late goals and will play Spain in Sunday's final. England scored first through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Argentina made it 1-1 in the 85th minute, when Enzo Fernandez shot from outside the penalty area, past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. In the last minutes, Lautaro Martinez scored with his head. Lionel Messi helped make both goals.
After England scored, the team dropped back and tried to defend its lead. Coach Thomas Tuchel changed his players in the 82nd minute and sent on a defender. Argentina scored three minutes later. Many people criticised the coach. The Daily Mail's football reporter gave Tuchel only 3 points out of 10. He wrote that Tuchel became defensive too early. They pressed for 60 minutes and then just ran out of steam, Lautaro Martinez said.
England has not reached a World Cup final since 1966. That is a wait of 60 years. Captain Harry Kane said his team only tried to hold on after taking the lead. He said this is not enough at that level. Argentina won all four knockout games with very late goals. Now they play Spain, who have let in only one goal in the tournament.
