Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has taken a brutal swipe at England after his side's 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory, claiming he and his players could sense England were 'doubting themselves' during the match.
England's lead evaporates
England took the lead on 55 minutes through Anthony Gordon, who converted Morgan Rogers' cross from the back post. However, Thomas Tuchel's side became passive after scoring, allowing Argentina to dominate possession and create numerous chances. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez equalised from the edge of the box, and Lautaro Martinez scored an injury-time winner to send Argentina into Sunday's final against Spain.
Scaloni described his team's comeback as 'so impressive' and admitted he felt England's 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.'
Scaloni's pride in his squad
Scaloni praised his players' resilience, saying: 'I'm lost for words. A great happiness for our country and our people. And another great happiness for this group who never stop surprising me and never know when they are beaten.' He added: 'We are unique. It's not arrogance, it is all heart.'
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who plays for Aston Villa, was critical of England's approach after taking the lead. 'We felt them going backwards and backwards rather than going forward,' Martinez said. 'Sometimes when you are winning, you have to go forward anyway. You can't change the gameplan. I think they did it and they put extra defenders.'
Argentina's path to the final
Argentina will face European champions Spain in the final, aiming to become only the third team to win back-to-back World Cups. Martinez said: 'It's special to win it. It's special for my country, family and team-mates. To be in back-to-back World Cup finals, it means whatever we have done is in the right path.'
England's defeat extends their wait for a major trophy to 60 years, with Tuchel's defensive tactics coming under scrutiny after the match.
