51/52nds of the World Cup
England's only World Cup Championship came in 1966 when they hosted the tournament. England defeated Argentina 1-0 in the Quarterfinals that year. Since then they have met Argentina 3 more times at the World Cup. In 1986 Argentina eliminated them in the Quarterfinals of Mexico City 2-1, with both goals coming from Diego Maradona, including the infamous Hand of God goal. In 1998, the two would finish in a 2-2 draw in the Round of 16 in Saint-Etienne, France. Argentina would advance after a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. Just 4 years later England would win 1-0 in a Group F match-up that would lead to Argentina finishing 3rd and being eliminated. In the Lionel Messi era, this is England's first match-up with Argentina. Though both sides would battle for possession and control, both sides would combine for just 3 shots and not a single one on target. The second half saw England make their move as a goal by Anthony Gordon in the 55' minute put England ahead, and the defending Champions on the verge of elimination. Here, England would sit back more and more trying to defend their slim lead. Lionel Messi and Argentina would pummel the English defense and their goal. In the 85th minute, the 39 year old Messi would find Enzo Fernandez for the tying goal, as the Argentinian team and fans would explode in excitement. In the 80th minute Lionel Scaloni would substitute Nicolas Tagliafico off for Lautaro Martinez, the Argentinian talisman. Martinez would find himself in the perfect position to receive a pass from Lionel Messi and find the back of the net giving Argentina a 2-1 lead in the 2nd minute of 2nd half stoppage time. England's defensive substitutions left them with too little attacking personnel to challenge Argentina's goal. England are the latest victims, falling once again to Argentina and their late match heroics. England will face France on Saturday for 3rd Place. Argentina move onto the Final Match where Spain are the last team standing between them and a repeat as Champions.
Today's Lionel Mess-like performance was a big one. Of the 3 players who predicted Semifinal Number 2 would be England and Argentina, and that Argentina would advance, only 1 correctly foresaw the 2-1 victory. With 160 points, edging into 1st place by 3 points, and continuing his lead at the top, three cheers for Historicus!
We take a 2 day pause in the action and reconvene on Saturday at 5:00pm. Miami, Florida hosts the Bronze Medal match between France and England. You earn 25 points for picking this match-up correctly, 50 points for selecting the 4th Place finisher, and 75 points for correctly identifying the Bronze Medal winning team. Some may argue this match is completely pointless, but it could be the difference between finishing first or worst for you. Enjoy the week.
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