Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his players “smelled blood” after sensing England had lost their belief during Wednesday’s dramatic FIFA World Cup semi-final.
The defending champions fought back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory in stoppage time, booking their place in a second consecutive World Cup final.
England had taken an early lead through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina clawed their way back into the tie with a brilliant long-range strike from Enzo Fernández. Lautaro Martínez then headed home a cross from Lionel Messi deep into injury time to seal a dramatic comeback.
“The opponent doubted themselves a bit,” Scaloni said after the match. “We smelled blood and went for it. We all felt it.”
‘They went backwards’
The view from the Argentine dugout was echoed by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who claimed England became far too negative after opening the scoring.
“We felt it. We felt them going backwards and backwards rather than going forward,” the goalkeeper said.
“Sometimes when you are winning, you have to go forward anyway. You can’t change the gameplan. I think they did it and they put extra defenders on.”
Scaloni praised his squad’s psychological resilience, arguing that their response to going behind proved they have the stomach for a fight.
“After England scored, we showed a lot about our football,” he added. “It’s more than tactics and playing pretty football. This shirt merits us giving absolutely everything possible until the very end.”
A heavyweight final
The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining their global crown alive, setting up a blockbuster clash against 2010 winners Spain in Sunday’s final.
For England, the defeat brings a painful end to their title ambitions. Thomas Tuchel’s side will now have to pick themselves up to face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
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