Lionel Scaloni says Argentina sensed England’s hesitation before dramatic World Cup comeback

• Lionel Scaloni said Argentina recognised England’s uncertainty after falling behind and used the moment to complete a dramatic 2-1 World Cup semifinal comeback.
• Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late goals to send the defending champions into Sunday’s final against Spain.
• Scaloni praised his players’ resilience and said Argentina continue to prove they can overcome any challenge.

Lionel Scaloni said Argentina recognised England’s hesitation after falling behind and seized the opportunity to produce another dramatic comeback, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup final with a 2-1 victory in Atlanta.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead early in the second half before Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute.

Lautaro Martínez then headed home the winning goal in stoppage time to send the defending world champions into Sunday’s final against Spain.

Scaloni said his players immediately sensed a shift in England’s approach after taking the lead.

“This team plays best when facing adversity,” Scaloni said after the match.

“The opponent hesitates a bit, we smell blood, and we go for it.”

“That’s the feeling I’m left with.”

Argentina’s victory keeps alive their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup.

Scaloni, who has already guided Argentina to World Cup and Copa América success, praised the mentality his squad continues to demonstrate on football’s biggest stage.

“It is a great joy for our country and our people, and this group never ceases to amaze me,” he said.

“We’re going to give it our all in the final.”

“But after this, it’s very tough.”

“It’s not arrogance, but we are unique.”

The Argentina coach said the performance reflected much more than technical quality, highlighting his players’ determination throughout the semifinal.

“We would have been satisfied even if we’d lost, knowing we gave everything and created six or seven scoring options,” Scaloni said.

“Football isn’t just about playing great, like we did in the second half.”

“It’s about everything.”

“Knowing how to suffer.”

The victory added another memorable chapter to Argentina’s World Cup history against England.

Previous knockout triumphs in 1986 and 1998 were followed by Wednesday’s dramatic semifinal comeback, securing another opportunity to compete for football’s biggest prize.

Scaloni declined to compare the latest victory with the famous 1986 quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory with two iconic goals.

“I can’t compare it to that match against England,” he said.

“Diego’s second goal was magnificent.”

“It went down in history.”

“This was more nerve-wracking than the match against Egypt, even though we played better today.”

“The whole thing was incredible.”

Scaloni said celebrations would be brief as attention immediately turns to Spain, who await Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final.

“We have to enjoy this now,” he said.

“Because tomorrow we start thinking about Sunday’s final against Spain.”