Argentina rallies past bitter rival England to book spot in World Cup final

One of the most bitter rivalries in international soccer wrote a new chapter in its contentious series Wednesday, when defending World Cup champions Argentina rallied to edge England 2-1 to advance to Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.

In a chippy, tense matchup that was less about free-flowing soccer and more a war of attrition, a 55th-minute moment of brilliance from left winger Anthony Gordon, who chipped in a cross from Morgan Rogers, gave England the lead.

But as they have so many times in this tournament, La Albiceleste mounted a comeback, first thanks to a brilliant 85th-minute strike from just outside the penalty area by midfielder Enzo Fernandez, then a stoppage-time header from substitute Lautaro Martinez to permanently give Argentina the lead.

Legendary striker Lionel Messi is seeking to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title. His eight goals remain tied for the most in this tournament. The 39-year-old Messi is one of only two players, the other being Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, to play in six men’s World Cups.

The Three Lions were seeking their first World Cup title since 1966. Their intercontinental rivalry with Argentina carries a lot of history, most notably Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal that helped Argentina bounce England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal.

Argentina will face Spain on Sunday, which beat favorites France 2-0 on Tuesday. England will play France on Saturday for third place.

Wednesday’s first half was scoreless but not without some rough action. The teams combined for 19 fouls, two yellow cards and no shots on goal.

Referee Ismail Elfath held up play briefly after just a few minutes in an effort to calm things down.

It didn’t seem to help much as the physical style by both teams continued.

Prior to the match, Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said that fans would not be able to carry some of their flags and banners that incorporate images of the Falkland Islands into the semifinal.

Monteoliva cited FIFA’s code of conduct, which bans politically divisive content. But her comments led to a social media backlash in Buenos Aires.

England reasserted control of the Falklands in a 1982 war with Argentina. Argentines claim the British protectorate as the Malvinas and consider the South Atlantic islands essential to their national identity.

FIFA’s code of conduct also says fans cannot “curse or chant in a political, offensive and/or discriminatory manner.”

Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel this week described the match as a fight against “usurping pirates,” a reference to the Falkland Islands controversy.