They struggled against teams that weren't among the world's top teams, lost to England in a big classic, and then showed what Argentina is, who the world champions are...
In a match under the roof in Atlanta, which will be remembered in the land of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi as unforgettable as the sun in Mexico City in 1986, the "gauchos" defeated "proud Albion" in an epic comeback - 2:1.
For a new final, for proof that Argentina doesn't want to let anyone down before the "Golden Goddess". Sunday couldn't be more beautiful - world champion and ruler of South America against European champion Spain.
After a real fight in the first half, England had everything in the second half after Anthony Gordon's goal, and then Thomas Tuchel "raised the white flag". The Albion coach introduced stoppers, closed down, and Argentina started to bite, eager to once again take down a great rival - not only in football.
Enzo Fernandes in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in the 92nd minute, along with another masterful performance by the indestructible Messi, set Atlanta on fire, along with Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario and all of Argentina.
Tuchel started with Morgan Rodgers, on the other side Scaloni surprised with Giuliano Simeone, but that brought practically nothing in the first half.
From the first minute, there was excitement on the field, there was nervousness on both sides, but as expected, the South Americans were the more grumpy. Home referee Ismail Elfat could have stopped everything, but he unnecessarily allowed rough play.
From football, practically nothing during the first 45 minutes - "Albion" threatened through the break, "Gauços" had a dangerous shot by Enzo Fernandes. And that was it.
And then the explosion in the aftermath.
Argentina started more decisively, Julián Alvarez had two chances in the same minute, and Jordan Pickford was alert.
It was as if that defense was a harbinger of a shock for the Argentines. In the 55th minute, Harry Kane started the Albion attack, after a mistake by Nicolas Tagliafico the ball reached Rodgers who masterfully found Gordon at the far post - the new Barcelona player "checkmated" Emilian Martinez (1:0).
The reaction of Scaloni's team was incredible, just like that of the Argentina coach himself. There was a lot of pressure, hurricane attacks, the best of the "gauchos" at this World Cup...
Tuchel's team, completely withdrawn, somehow survived great chances from Nick Gonzalez and Alexis McAllister's goal, but it was obvious that there was no escape this time.
Fernandes' missile, then Lautaro's header after a perfect cross from Messi - Argentina is alive, Argentina never loses in semi-finals, England disappointed again when it mattered most.
After 1986 and Maradona's Hand of God, and then the naked century, Argentina once again has a day that will be celebrated as a national holiday in that country.
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