No Top Chances, But Many Fouls
In the early stages, there was a lot of discussion, several minor skirmishes, and the fans celebrated every ball won. However, both teams were sparing with chances from open play.
After just over half an hour, the "Three Lions" found a good free-kick position. The ball reached the far post, where John Stones headed it wide (33.).
Veteran star Lionel Messi provided the next highlight, breaking through against several English players on a quick advance before being caught in a pincer movement by Spence and Anderson. Anderson was shown a yellow card (37.).
A few moments later, Fernandez tried a long-range shot, which whistled just wide over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's goal (38.). There were no other good scoring opportunities; instead, the teams went into the break with a total of 19 fouls and two yellow cards – Lisandro Martinez was cautioned in the 42nd minute.
Opening Goal and Monster Tackle
The first top chance after the break didn't take long to arrive. Julian Alvarez broke through against Spence and aimed for the near post. Pickford was down quickly and made the save. Immediately afterwards, Alvarez had another shot, this time hitting the side netting (47.).
However, it's England who take the lead! Harry Kane plays a long ball forward, which Nicolas Tagliafico acrobatically clears. But the ball stays with England. Rogers shows great vision and spots Barcelona newcomer Anthony Gordon at the far post, who sneaks in behind Nahuel Molina to score the opener (55.).
Almost immediately, the "Albiceleste" have a big chance to equalize. Alvarez drives towards goal from the right half-space, but England's Spence cleanly dispossesses the Atletico striker with a monster tackle (57.). His teammates celebrate his commitment.
Pickford Excels
Argentina follow up the action with a period of pressure and seize the momentum. Additionally, coach Luis Scaloni makes the first substitution, bringing on Nicolas Gonzalez for Leandro Paredes (64.).
And after Spence's monster tackle, Pickford delivers a monster save. Following a Messi cross, substitute Gonzalez heads the ball, and the Everton keeper excels with a lightning-fast reflex save on the line (69.).
After the second hydration break, Scaloni makes a triple substitution: Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolas Otamendi come on for the final phase. For England, goalscorer Gordon makes way for Ezri Konsa (72.).
Fernandez with the Late Equalizer
England coach Thomas Tuchel switches to a back five when playing without the ball, but the reigning world champions find the gaps, especially with crosses from the half-space.
After a cross from De Paul, Mac Allister only heads against the post; Pickford safely collects his second header attempt (76.). From a Messi cross, Gonzalez heads the ball just wide (77.). The flag goes up, but a goal might have counted.
The "Albiceleste" keep pushing. In the 85th minute, Pickford initially tips a long-range shot from Fernandez over the bar, but in the next move, the Chelsea midfielder aims more precisely, and this time his long-range attempt finds the back of the net – 1-1 (85.)!
Game Turned Around!
In stoppage time, the game is turned around! First, Mac Allister is unlucky again, hitting the post with his low shot, but then substitute Lautaro Martinez heads the defending champions to glory (90.+2).
Argentina do not let the victory slip away and will now face reigning European champions Spain in Sunday's final.
