Lionel Messi’s final World Cup wasn’t just the end of an extraordinary career on football’s biggest stage. It marked the closing chapter of the childhood many of us grew up alongside. The man who made us fall in love with the game came face to face not just with a superior Spanish side but with the sands of time.
Read more
Spain deservedly won a desperately disappointing World Cup final as Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike finally broke the resistance of 10-man Argentina. The European title holders had created the best opportunities against the defending world champions, who mainly resorted to spoiling tactics and had Enzo Fernandez sent off just before the game went into extra-time. Torres was the hero for Spain when he collected substitute Nico Williams’ header to beat Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez with a powerful shot from close range after 106 minutes.
Read more
England were left heartbroken with their World Cup dreams shattered as Argentina struck twice late on to come from behind and win a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course to reach the final when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in a feisty encounter after 55 minutes. Argentina, however, were inspired and turned the contest around when Enzo Fernandez struck a magnificent equaliser with five minutes left, before Lautaro Martinez headed in an injury-time winner from Lionel Messi’s right-foot cross.
Read more
A 111th-minute Diney Borges own goal saved holders Argentina from one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they scraped past heroic debutants Cape Verde in the last 32.
Read more
Amad Diallo’s late goal earned Manchester United a deserved point as they defied recent form to draw 2-2 against leaders Liverpool in a thriller at Anfield. Lisandro Martinez had blasted United into a second-half lead but Cody Gakpo’s leveller was followed by a Mohamed Salah penalty that briefly looked to have earned the victory that would have sent Arne Slot’s side eight points clear.
Read more