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🇳🇵 Nepal /Sports

Argentina stages late comeback to sink England and reach World Cup final

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
  • The victory sends Argentina to the final against Spain, dashing England's hopes of a first World Cup title since 1966.
  • The match was a tense affair, marked by a dramatic comeback that keeps Argentina's quest for another world title alive.

Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semi-final, securing their place in the final against Spain. Just as England seemed poised for victory after Anthony Gordon's second-half goal, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege.

We are truly unique, and that's not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I'm lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people.

— Lionel ScaloniArgentina's coach Lionel Scaloni on his team's victory and performance.

Enzo Fernandez leveled the score in the 85th minute, finding space on the edge of the box to fire home from 20 meters past Jordan Pickford. The equalizer, assisted by Lionel Messi, set the stage for the late turnaround. Lautaro Martinez then completed the comeback in the 92nd minute, heading home a brilliant cross from Messi after a shot by Alexis Mac Allister had hit the post.

Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed immense pride in his players, stating, "We are truly unique, and that's not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I'm lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people." The victory is particularly significant for the 39-year-old Messi, who is expected to play in his final World Cup.

Just gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold ‌on. At ⁠this level, it's not enough.

— Harry KaneEngland captain Harry Kane expressing his disappointment after the semi-final loss.

For England, the defeat was a devastating blow. Captain Harry Kane lamented the team's approach after taking the lead, saying, "We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, it's not enough." The loss ends their dreams of reaching a World Cup final for the first time since their only triumph in 1966.

Gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. So to fall short like we did today ... just gutted.

— Harry KaneEngland captain Harry Kane reflecting on the team's effort and the painful defeat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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