Week seven at the World Cup
Down to three players as we enter the last four. We will have a look back at how the remaining got on in the Semi-Finals: Who starred, who must do better and who is on their way home.
England v Argentina
The holders have reached another final after a dramatic conclusion to the Semi-Final. After a tense and hard fought first half, the game was there for the taking. It appeared that England had seized the initiative when they went in front after 55 minutes from Anthony Gordon. It was just reward for the winger taking a chance after decent build-up play.
Argentina had been frustrated up until that point with their key players unable to get the necessary time and space. It appeared that the exertions from the previous rounds had taken their toll. On the rare occasions where they did threaten, England were rescued by Jordan Pickford or the woodwork. All they had to do was take the sting out of the game and keep the South Americans thinking.
Alas, they were unable to learn from past mistakes and retreated back into their shell. Thomas Tuchel compounded the situation by removing midfield and forward players for defensive ones. Argentina, and Lionel Messi in particular, now had space to operate in. A short corner led to the equaliser from Enzo Fernandez as England failed to push out. As extra time loomed, another cross resulted in Lautaro Martinez heading the winner.
Marcus Rashford was given five minutes to affect the game. He should have been introduced to test them with his pace on the counter. Kobbie Mainoo did not feature at all. Damning when England needed someone to hold onto the ball. Serious questions need to be asked of the German’s mindset and approach.
United fans will breathe a sigh of relief that he was not appointed by us. Kobbie will fresh and with a point to prove. The future of Rashford remains less clear. As for Lisandro Martinez, he has the chance to win a second World Cup medal. A feat never before achieved by a former red and rare enough at all. He played over 70 minutes in the game before being subbed off. He was unable to contribute in terms of the attacking side. He had a strong passing record though.
Best of luck to him in the final!
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