Argentina Stuns England in 92nd Minute to Shatter World Cup Final Dream

Argentina eliminated England in the World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory, snatching the equalizer and then the winner in stoppage time in Atlanta. The Three Lions, who were still leading in the 84th minute thanks to Anthony Gordon’s goal (55th), ultimately fell apart after a cross from Lionel Messi in the 92nd minute, finished with a header by Lautaro Martínez.

The British press was quick to assign blame. The Guardian first targeted the tactical choices of manager Thomas Tuchel, denouncing England’s defensive withdrawal after taking the lead. “England came within touching distance of its first World Cup final in 60 years. But by refusing to continue attacking and choosing to endure the relentless assaults of the Albiceleste, it condemned itself. Against a genius like Lionel Messi and finishers of the caliber of Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, passivity is a cardinal sin,” the newspaper wrote.

The Daily Mail dwelt on the players’ distress at the final whistle, describing the tears of Jude Bellingham and the ashen face of Harry Kane. “We were so close. But the harsh reality of this international level reminded us: Argentina never dies. Messi’s surgical cross in the 92nd minute for Martínez’s header is a lesson in cynicism that our boys will take time to digest,” it read.

The Telegraph was even more severe toward Tuchel, criticizing him for making overly defensive substitutions—including the withdrawal of goalscorer Gordon to shore up the defense—and for allowing his team to be overwhelmed by crosses late in the match. “Tuchel defended his choices in the press conference, but the reality on the pitch condemns him. England lacked courage and positional discipline at the most crucial moment,” the newspaper stated.

The Sun, true to its punchy front pages, invoked the ghosts of 1986 and 1998 to draw a painful parallel with previous eliminations against Argentina. “Add 2026 to the list of our curses against Argentina. We gave every drop of sweat and blood, only to lose everything in stoppage time,” the tabloid wrote. England will have to wait even longer before playing in a first World Cup final since 1966.