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Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni said his players recognised a shift in England’s confidence after the Three Lions took the lead, insisting the defending champions seized the moment to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback and book a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
England appeared to be on course for their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the second half. However, Argentina responded through a stunning long-range strike from Enzo Fernández before Lautaro Martínez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time to complete a memorable turnaround in Atlanta.
Scaloni said his players quickly sensed England had begun to retreat after going in front and took full advantage of the momentum swing.
“The opponent doubted themselves a bit. We smelled blood and went for it. We all felt it,” Scaloni said after the match.
The Argentina manager also praised his team’s composure after conceding first, saying their response reflected far more than tactical discipline.
“Yes, after England scored we showed a lot about our football. It’s more than tactics and playing pretty football.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez echoed his manager’s assessment, claiming England abandoned their attacking approach once they gained the lead.
“We felt it. We felt them going backwards and backwards rather than going forward,” Martínez said.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper argued that England’s decision to sit deep ultimately invited pressure from the reigning world champions.
“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.”
Argentina’s victory sends the South Americans into a second successive World Cup final, where they will face 2010 champions Spain on Sunday as they bid to retain the trophy.
Scaloni admitted the achievement was difficult to put into words and dedicated the victory to Argentine supporters.
“I’m lost for words. A great happiness for our country and our people… This shirt merits us giving absolutely everything possible until the very end.”
While Argentina prepare for another shot at World Cup glory, England must regroup for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France following another painful semi-final exit on the global stage.
