Darwin, July 16: Argentina once again proved why they can never be written off before the final whistle. The defending champions came from a goal down to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, securing a place in the final for the second consecutive tournament.

After surviving dramatic knockout-stage battles against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland, Lionel Scaloni’s side delivered another remarkable comeback, with two late goals ending England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

The first half offered little attacking quality, as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Neither side managed a shot on target, while the match was dominated by physical battles and fouls. Argentina committed 12 fouls to England’s seven before the break, with referee Ismail showing one yellow card to each team.

Argentina controlled 58 percent of possession in the opening 45 minutes, but Lionel Messi and Harry Kane were both kept quiet. Messi’s free-kick was pushed away by Jordan Pickford, while neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished Morgan Rogers’ cross, putting the Three Lions on course for a long-awaited place in the final.

However, the goal sparked Argentina into life. The South Americans pinned England back and created a series of chances, with Alexis Mac Allister striking the woodwork twice and Pickford producing several outstanding saves to keep his side in front.

Argentina finally found the equaliser in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez fired home from outside the box after being set up by Messi.

The decisive moment came in stoppage time. In the 90+2nd minute, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross that Lautaro Martinez headed into the net to complete another dramatic comeback and send Argentina into the final.

Messi finished the night with two assists, playing a decisive role in both goals.

Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey, as they bid to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.

For England, meanwhile, the wait for another World Cup final appearance extends beyond six decades after their only triumph in 1966.