2026 World Cup: Late Lautaro Martinez Goal Takes Argentina To Final
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentina came from behind to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for the second consecutive time after defeating England 2-1 in a semi-final clash at Atlanta Stadium, United States on Wednesday.
Striker Lautaro Martinez emerged as the hero for La Albiceleste when his header in stoppage time of the second half ensured Lionel Scaloni’s side advanced to defend their title against 2010 champions Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
The first half was tightly contested as both sides exchanged attacks in a physical and frequently stop-start encounter, struggling to create clear-cut chances until the 36th minute.
England’s best chance came through Reece James, who took a free-kick from the left side, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a brilliant save to deny the Chelsea right-back’s effort.
Argentina responded two minutes later through midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but his long-range strike went over the crossbar, seeing both teams head into the dressing rooms locked at 0-0.
Argentina continued their assault immediately after the second half resumed when striker Julian Alvarez forced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into an impressive save in the 47th minute.
After absorbing sustained pressure from Argentina, England broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when winger Anthony Gordon made a perfectly timed run before finishing off Morgan Rogers’ cross from the right flank.
The three-time champions almost equalised when substitute Nico Gonzalez headed in a curling cross from captain Lionel Messi into the penalty area, but Pickford once again produced a fine save to keep England ahead in the 69th minute.
The Three Lions survived a scare in the 75th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s header struck the post to Pickford’s right, before the goalkeeper denied the midfielder’s follow-up attempt a minute later.
Argentina’s sustained pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty box to level the score.
Argentina were still not satisfied when Mac Allister’s effort hit the post in the second minute of stoppage time, before Martinez powerfully headed in minutes later to complete a dramatic comeback and crush England’s hopes.
The result saw Thomas Tuchel’s side have to settle for the third-place playoff against France at Miami Stadium, United States on Saturday, after the two-time champions lost 0-2 to Spain in the other semi-final on Tuesday.
BERNAMA