Argentina players were spotted sharing a laugh after beating England in the World Cup as they passed around Jordan Pickford's water bottle featuring his list of penalty shoot-out instructions. The Three Lions were minutes away from booking their place in the final against Spain in a tight and bad-tempered semi-final showdown against the defending world champions on Wednesday night.
Argentina's dramatic comeback
Enzo Fernandez's magnificent strike levelled the game on 86 minutes before Lautaro Martinez headed home a dramatic winner two minutes into injury time. Thomas Tuchel made changes before the Argentine fightback that left England clinging onto their slender lead. After Fernandez's goal, they hoped to force extra time and potentially penalties before Martinez's winner sealed the victory in normal time.
Pickford's penalty preparation
England have historically been tormented by penalties in World Cup competition but their losing streak ended in 2018 when they saw off Colombia from 12 yards in their round of 16 match with Pickford making a brilliant save that night. It is now common practice for goalkeepers to use their water bottles as 'cheat sheets' – attaching a list of details of opposition players' preferred side of the goal to aim for. Pickford used the data to great effect in Euro 2024, with a note to 'dive left' proving invaluable as he kept out an effort from Manuel Akanji. Pickford came equipped again on Wednesday night with the prospect of penalties looming even in the early stages of a tight game.
Discovery during celebrations
But a shoot-out wasn't required in the end with Argentina players finding Pickford's bottle during their post-match celebrations on the pitch. A member of the Argentine coaching staff was seen showing the bottle to Lionel Messi – who twice missed from the penalty spot in games against Austria and Egypt during this World Cup. The staff member then brought the bottle over to Fernandez with the Chelsea midfielder smiling and laughing as he appeared to find his name and penalty preference noted down.
Looking ahead to the final
Argentina's focus will now switch to Spain on Sunday where they will hope to be crowned world champions for a fourth time.
