It seems that Argentina is never as strong as when its back is against the wall: led by England, the Albiceleste of a Lionel Messi double decisive passer transcended itself to reverse the situation at the end of the match on Wednesday July 15 and reach the World Cup final where Spain awaits.
This will be the first time that these two great football nations will oppose each other at this stage of the World Cup, European champion La Roja having outclassed France (2-0) during the first semi-final played on Tuesday in Dallas.
The Argentinians, kings of twist and shout
The historic duel promised to be electric, it was and its stunning epilogue was epic, in the sound and fury of the Atlanta stadium. Forty years after the “hand of God” and “the goal of the century” scored in four minutes by Diego Maradona and 24 years after David Beckham’s penalty which helped take out the Albiceleste in the first round of the 2002 World Cup, the Argentinians and the English have written a thrilling sixth chapter in the long rivalry which opposes them on the big stage.
However, their first period looked like anything but football, with low blows, provocations and incessant skirmishes. And it took Anthony Gordon’s opening score (55th) to wake up the South Americans who finally showed their best face, the fear of losing in their stomachs, chasing the score with the bit in their teeth.
These thrills ran through them in the 16th against the Cape Verdean novice who pushed them into overtime, then against Egypt (3-2) in the 8th and against Switzerland again in extra-time in the quarters (3-1 after). And their heart of reigning champion coupled with an undeniable talent to force destiny once again made the difference against the English, who made the great mistake of stopping playing at 1-0 in their favor and paid dearly for it.
Lionel Messi, undisputed best player of this World Cup at 39 years old, was again decisive by offering two caviars, first a subtle shift to Enzo Fernandez author of a superb long shot to equalize (85th), then a perfect cross with the right foot, he the ultimate left-hander, on the head of Lautaro Martinez (90 + 2). And this is how Argentina knocked out the transparent Three Lions of Harry Kane and Jude Bellignham in seven minutes.
The expected duel against La Roja
Crowned in 2022, Argentina is only one match away from achieving a more successful double in ages, when the Brazil of Pelé and Garrincha had been titled in 1958 then 1962. But for Messi to be able to lift the supreme trophy a second time and add a fourth star to the sky and white jersey, it will be necessary to prove stronger than Spain, impressive in mastery, on Sunday in East Rutherford near New York.
In Dallas, the first semi-final was a collective show of strength from the Spaniards, rewarded by a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal (22nd) and a goal from Pedro Porro (58th). Superior in all respects against the Blues, Luis de la Fuente’s team, European champion in 2024, won the midfield battle and its defense extinguished the Mbappé-Dembélé-Olise attacking trio. “We were facing one of the best teams in the world, but they were facing the best team in the world,” summarized the coach.
The generation of Rodri, Lamine Yamal and others can rise to the height of the pioneers Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas who put Spain on the royal road for the first time (Euro 2008-World Cup 2010-Euro 2012). They will play on Sunday under the eyes of their monarch, King Felipe VI, who will travel with his wife and their two daughters.
The French will play the “small final” the day before in Miami, a match of purely symbolic significance but which will not be without challenges. The match against England will also be Didier Deschamps’ last as coach of the Blues.
