Argentina does it again with a late-game comeback, advances to World Cup Final

Argentina uses late game heroics once again to take down England 2-1 on Wednesday, advancing to the World Cup Final.

First half

The early moments of the match saw some moments of tension between the two sides, with lots of physicality between the historic rivals.

Neither side would find an attempt on net until the 33rd when John Stones would knock a strike wide.

The physical battle would continue throughout the first half, with the first yellow coming in the 37th minute.

The card was awarded to Elliot Anderson following a strong challenge on Lionel Messi during an Argentine breakaway.

In the 38th Argentina would find their first attempt at net, courtesy of Enzo Fernández.

His shot would miss the corner by inches, sailing wide.

Neither side could manage to find the back of the net in the first half, leading to a 0-0 deadlock at the half.

Second half

After taking 38 minutes to find their first attempt on net, Argentina would need just two to match their shot total from the first half.

The first of the two would force English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to make the first save of the day from either goalkeeper.

In the 51st, an errand pass nearly saw England with a gift of a goal.

But Argentine center back Cristian Romero would make use of some incredible footwork to clear the ball.

The chippy nature from the first would carry its way into the second, with a yellow just six minutes into the second 45.

That yellow would be awarded to Romero in the 51st minute.

However, minutes later, England would create their best opportunity of the match.

A long cross into the box by Morgan Rogers would be met by Anthony Gordon on the other end.

After a quick bounce, Gordon would slot his strike right past Argentine Emiliano Martínez and into the back of the net.

But minutes later Argentina seemingly had opportunity at an equalizer.

A pass to Giuliano Simeone would see him with room to run.

Simeone would carry the ball right into the box, looking to capitalize on the 0ne-on-one opportunity.

But a spectacular sliding tackle by Djed Spence would break up the chance.

In the 69th minute, a cross into the box from Messi would force Pickford to make an incredible save.

And once again Argentina would test Pickford, with an Alexis Mac Allister header just missing wide off the post.

Argentina would keep the pressure on, with another great chance in the 81st.

But once again, English defense would deny an equalizer.

But Argentina’s persistence would pay off in the 85th.

Fernández, who had just missed an attempt in the same minute, would test Pickford again.

And this time Fernández would deliver.

But Argentina smelt blood in the water, continuing their high press on an exhausted English backline.

In the 90+2nd minute, Lautaro Martínez would drill a header right into net, seeing Argentina take the lead late like they’ve done time and time again.

And the full-time whistle would see Argentina through once again, advancing to their second World Cup Final in-a-row.

Argentina will square off against Spain at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the World Cup Final.

As for England, they will take on France for the third-place match at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jul 15, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.