Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen criticized the team’s tactics after their defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. He said that after scoring the goal, England surrendered and gave Argentina a chance to dominate.
London [यूके]July 16 (ANI): Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has criticized England’s attitude towards their defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final. He said that after the Three Lions took the lead, they gave the defending champions a chance to take control of the match. England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon’s goal, but they could not maintain it. Argentina made a late comeback and equalized with Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the 85th minute and then in stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal with a header to seal the 2–1 victory.
Pietersen raised questions on England’s strategy
Commenting on the result in a post on X, Pietersen said that England performed well until they took the lead, but then gave up the initiative to Argentina. Pietersen wrote, “One of the biggest mistakes you can make in sport is to let a bully bully you. And you could see Argentina’s plan in the first five minutes! England were incredible right up to the goal and then they immediately succumbed and let the bully overpower them. So close, yet so far!”
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has criticized England’s attitude towards their defeat by Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. He said that after the Three Lions took the lead, they gave the defending champions a chance to take control of the match.
Such was the thrill of the match
Talking about the match, the first half was a tight contest, with both teams struggling to control the midfield and creating very few clear chances. England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon headed home Morgan Rogers’ cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
After taking the lead, England went deeper defensively, giving Argentina the opportunity to apply pressure. The defending champions responded strongly, with Jordan Pickford making key saves and Alexis McAllister’s shot hitting the post as Argentina got the equaliser.
In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernandez scored after taking a pass from Lionel Messi and leveling the match. Argentina completed their comeback in stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross for Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal with a header.
Despite last-minute efforts from England, Argentina held their own and made the final. England will now face France for third place, while Argentina will face Spain for the title.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet News editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)