Argentinian media have seized on England's World Cup semi-final defeat, mocking Thomas Tuchel's tactics and targeting Jude Bellingham after a 2-1 loss to Argentina. The match saw England take the lead through Anthony Gordon early in the second half, but Tuchel's ultra-defensive approach backfired as Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner.
Media Reaction to England's Defensive Approach
Sports daily Ole said "Argentina humiliated England's defensiveness" and that Tuchel's side "fell into the trap of nervousness." It cuttingly added: "The chivalry and fair play they sell as their emblem were left behind in London." The same title also slammed England talisman Jude Bellingham, repeating the line "And Bellingham? Nothing" four times in its match report.
La Nacion said Tuchel's changes played into Argentina's hands, stating: "Tuchel did his part by making defensive changes, ending up with a 5-4-1 formation (as he had already done in other matches of this World Cup), but that also gave the team the option of long-range shots: it was from one of these (on another short corner taken by Messi) that Enzo Fernández made it 1-1."
Criticism of Key Players
The English language Buenos Aires Times said England will "live to regret sitting back after Gordon's opener" and took aim at Bellingham and Harry Kane, adding: "The key men for Thomas Tuchel's side during this campaign have been Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, yet they failed to deliver on this occasion."
Pagina12 drew on a famous Diego Maradona quote about River Plate, saying: "There's a famous quote from Diego that refers to a certain attitude of the opposing team in the second half and the fall of an article of clothing. Well, what a thing to see in England. They've certainly earned their footballing reputation. Tuchel's team sat back excessively and invited an Argentina side that, with so much at stake, would have easily overwhelmed them anyway." The quote in question goes: "River was River. They played a great first half and in the second half, their underwear fell off."
Statistics and Viral Moments
Infobae noted that England had just 12 per cent possession after taking the lead, "with a defensive approach that manager Thomas Tuchel intensified by replacing Gordon with Ezri Konsa." The same site highlighted David Beckham's shocked reaction, saying: "The camera caught Beckham amidst the Argentine celebrations. The former player, who had understandably celebrated Gordon's goal with euphoria, stared blankly, unable to process what had just happened on the pitch. The scene went viral worldwide."
