Argentina fans in Buenos Aires burnt English flags and carried a coffin draped in the Union Jack through the streets after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England sent the defending champions into their second successive final.
Lautaro Martinez headed home a stoppage-time winner after Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the second half. Enzo Fernandez equalised on 85 minutes, and Lionel Messi grew in influence as Argentina peppered the England goal. The grudge match, reignited after two decades, carried political undertones with the Falklands War still a source of anger among South Americans.
“Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach World Cup final as fans burn flags and carry coffin in Buenos Aires.”
“We are proud and happy to be able to give this to the people,” said Messi, who is eyeing a second World Cup. “We know that the World Cups are special for us. We forget all the bad things we have to go through, there are people who have a hard time, who don’t have a job, who don’t make ends meet… it’s beautiful to be able to give this joy to them.”
England boss Thomas Tuchel faced heavy criticism for his defensive tactics after taking the lead, bringing on defenders to see out the game. The win sets up a final against Spain, with the reigning world champions taking on the European champions.