Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has taken a subtle dig at England's playing style after the defending champions defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final. Mac Allister expressed hope that the final against Spain would feature two teams that 'truly play good football'.
England's defensive approach criticised
England took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon, who swept home Morgan Rogers' cross. However, Thomas Tuchel's side retreated after the goal, making defensive substitutions that allowed Argentina to mount a comeback. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored late to secure Argentina's place in the final.
Mac Allister, speaking to Telefe after the match, said: 'I think that at a time when football is becoming much more physical, it's important that two teams that truly play good football reach this point.' He added that he hoped the final would be a great spectacle for everyone.
Mac Allister's diplomatic response
When asked about England's defensive tactics, Mac Allister was measured: 'I don't think it was their fault. I think we played a really good second half from the beginning to the end, even when they scored the first goal, I felt like we were in a really good position and having control, but after we brought our Argentinian fire and maybe they went to a more defensive lineup. But that's football and normally the way you defend when you are getting crosses from everywhere.'
Scaloni: England doubted themselves
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni also weighed in, claiming his team sensed England's self-doubt. 'We were under a bit of pressure, but the opponent doubted themselves,' Scaloni said in his post-match press conference. 'We all felt it, we smelt blood and went for it. There was a vacuum inside [England's] goal. The ball went in after hitting the post twice. After England scored we showed a lot about our football. It's more than tactics and playing pretty football.'
Argentina face Spain in final
Argentina now face Spain in Sunday's final, aiming to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. Mac Allister acknowledged the challenge: 'We're playing against a team that's one of the best in the world, right up there with us, that plays very good football, that tries hard.' The semi-final was a scrappy affair, with the first shot coming after 30 minutes.
