Thomas Tuchel is facing a fierce backlash after England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. The German manager's defensive substitutions after Anthony Gordon's opening goal have been widely condemned, with critics drawing parallels to Steve Clarke's cautious approach that cost Scotland earlier in the tournament.
Tuchel's Tactics Under Scrutiny
Tuchel withdrew attacking players and instructed his side to sit deep, hoping to protect the lead. However, Argentina's pressure paid off when Enzo Fernandez equalized from the edge of the box with five minutes remaining. Lionel Messi then set up Lautaro Martinez for the winning header in extra time, sending Argentina to the final against Spain.
In the aftermath, Tuchel bristled with indignation and defiance, accepting little accountability for the second-half retreat. His reaction has added anger to the ongoing post-mortem, with many believing he repeated the mistakes of Gareth Southgate's cautious approach in previous tournaments.
Scottish Schadenfreude
From a Scottish perspective, the backlash has been savagely satisfying. Having feared the worst for so long, the 'World Cup Brexit' has been dodged once more, or at least kicked down the road. The irony is not lost: Tuchel adopted the same caution-at-all-costs approach that led to Steve Clarke's disappointing exit for Scotland.
Clarke resigned minutes after Scotland's elimination, his spiky reaction giving way to regret. Tuchel, however, remains defiant, insisting his decision-making got the best out of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. But a crestfallen nation has no wish to hear it, with emotions still raw.
Messi's Genius Prevails
Ultimately, England came up against a superior opponent in the defending world champions. Messi, at 39, may be losing his battle with time, but he remains capable of bending moments to his will. He twisted away from Djed Spence, ragdolled Kane, and drew a foul from Elliot Anderson before setting up the equalizer.
Messi's perfectly measured cross then found Martinez for the winner. Each player is striving to help Messi complete his one-man mission, and his individual brilliance, coupled with collective force of will, proved too much for England.
Third-Place Playoff Looms
England must now face France in a meaningless third-place playoff on Saturday, a match that could ramp up national outrage further. Meanwhile, Messi has a date with destiny in the final against Spain. Given that fate appears to be ushering him forward, maybe Tuchel, Bellingham, and Kane never stood a chance.
