World Cup
World Cup Daily Argentina: Late surge decides Atlanta semifinal
World Cup Daily Argentina reported that Enzo Fernandez equalised for Argentina against England in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after England had taken the lead earlier in the second half. The match featured a first half with 19 fouls and no shots on target.
Supercomputers and analytical models had predicted extra time and penalties after such a balanced opening period, reflecting the lack of clear chances in the first 45 minutes.
Ten minutes into the second half, Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute, catching Nahuel Molina sleeping at the back post and giving England a 1-0 lead. The goal was well worked, and England appeared to be on the ropes as the world champions offered almost nothing in attack up to that point.
Lionel Messi and his teammates responded with wave after wave of attacks. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford fought valiantly, but Enzo Fernandez would not be denied, netting the equaliser from a short corner with Messi providing the assist.
Tuchel’s low‑block gamble exposed as Argentina rallies in Atlanta
Two minutes into added time, Lautaro Martínez struck the winner, also set up by Messi, to secure a 2-1 victory for Argentina. The champions will now face Spain in the final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, while England travel to Miami for a third‑place clash with France. England’s manager Thomas Tuchel made several tactical changes, removing Gordon for defender Ezra Konsa after the last hydration break and shifting to a back five. He later introduced defenders Nico O'Reilly and Dan Burn for the final ten minutes, leaving the low block comically deep and exploitable. Late substitutions Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney had little effect, and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka remained on the bench. Thomas Tuchel said after the match, "You can discuss this with a million coaches but I have to make a decision on the pitch. I analyzed the match and I did it a certain way so that's my responsibility. In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close." The action was captured by Rebecca Blackwell/AP, the accompanying caption reading "Tight". QUOTE OF THE DAY highlighted Tuchel's comments. Three stars of the day were Lionel Messi, who led the tournament in dribbles (24), chances created (25) and big chances (8); Enzo Fernandez, whose elbowed challenge with Elliot Anderson set the tone before his wonder strike; and Lautaro Martínez, whose opportunistic winner cemented his place in Argentine lore. The "Who Scored" feature underscored their impact.