Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni says his team sensed it could turn the match after England took a 1-0 lead and then sat back. Speaking after Argentina’s 2-1 win in the semi-final held in Atlanta, Scaloni described England’s approach following the early advantage as creating an opportunity for Argentina to press and “go for broke.” He said Argentina “smelt blood in the water,” reflecting a belief that the momentum could shift once England began defending rather than building attacks.
Both accounts attribute the turnaround to England’s second-half tactical posture after scoring first, and they present Argentina’s response as a proactive effort to force the game into a more open contest. Scaloni characterizes the final result as deserved and points to Argentina’s willingness to increase risk in order to create chances and ultimately overturn the scoreline.
The reports agree on the key match sequence: England lead 1-0, England sit back, Argentina respond and win 2-1 in the semi-final in Atlanta.
