S-final: Messi's Argentina stun England in comeback

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

S-final: Messi's Argentina stun England in comeback

Atlanta: Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired FIFA World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain.

England had been on course to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.

But the great rivalry between these nations has produced several memorable contests on the FIFA World Cup stage down the years and this will be remembered as the stuff of legends in Argentina as the South Americans denied England with two late sucker punches.

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Scaloni applauds indomitable Argentina

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

Scaloni applauds indomitable Argentina

Atlanta: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni saluted his team's never-say-die mentality after another come-from-behind victory on Wednesday powered them past England into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Scaloni said his team had scented victory as England sat back after taking a 1-0 lead in their semi-final in Atlanta and went for broke to secure a deserved 2-1 win.

Tuchel defends tactics after England's hopes dashed

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

Tuchel defends tactics after England's hopes dashed

Atlanta: England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after the Three Lions' FIFA World Cup 2026 dream ended in an agonising late defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

England appeared poised to reach their first final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead early in the second half in Atlanta.

But England then invited wave after wave of late pressure from the defending champions and goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez secured a famous 2-1 victory.

Dream comes true for Spain's Porro

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

Dream comes true for Spain's Porro

Arlington: Pedro Porro, who scored Spain's second goal in the 2-0 defeat of favourites France on Tuesday, said reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 final was "a dream come true".

Porro struck in the 58th minute after a sensational one-two with Dani Olmo, with the Tottenham Hotspur defender then clipping a fine finish past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

De la Fuente salutes Spain masterclass

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente salutes Spain masterclass

Arlington: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente saluted his players as the "best team in the world" on Tuesday after a stunning 2-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final upset of France.

De la Fuente, who had repeatedly said Spain were the best side in the tournament, was left beaming with pride as La Roja outplayed France to reach Sunday's final.

It was another tactical masterpiece by the Spanish tactician, who oversaw his side's European Championship victory in 2024 and has now beaten France in three straight competitive matches.

Mbappe admits France were below par

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

Mbappe admits France were below par

Arlington: Kylian Mbappe rued the end of France's FIFA World Cup 2026 dream on Tuesday, blaming tactical and technical blunders for his side's 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.

Mbappe had emerged as one of the stars of the tournament during France's run to the last four, rattling in eight goals at the tip of a free-scoring attack that delighted fans worldwide.

But the 27-year-old French captain's dreams of a third straight FIFA World Cup final appearance ended abruptly as Spain outplayed Les Bleus at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.