Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final with a 2-1 comeback victory against England. As the Three Lions dropped deep, the South Americans found late inspiration.
African viewers would have enjoyed watching Lionel Messi take charge of the game with two more assists at what's likely to be his final World Cup.
Why Africa Was Watching: The Players With Continental Pull
From Lagos to Nairobi, Messi has become Africa's adopted footballing hero. Many fans are cheering him on towards a second World Cup.
However, Jude Bellingham's all-action style and key contributions at this tournament have won him many African followers. The Three Lions could also count on the defensive contributions of Ivory Coast-born Marc Guéhi, as well as Ezri Konsa, who is of Congolese and Angolan heritage.
When England meet Argentina, Africa picks a side.
Match Report: How the Night Unfolded
The first half in Atlanta served up very little goalmouth action. Both sides began in a combative manner in midfield, with several early fouls breaking up the play as a tense encounter commenced.
In the opening period, neither team took control, while just three shots were registered in total. However, it was England who seized the initiative early in the second half.
A lively break on the right flank from Morgan Rogers saw the winger deliver the perfect cross for Anthony Gordon. The recent Barcelona signing kept his cool to fire past Emiliano Martínez as the Three Lions broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
Having already come from 2-0 down to knock out Egypt in the round of 16, there was still plenty of time for Argentina. Their response to going behind was almost immediate as Giuliano Simeone raced clear, only to be denied by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Djed Spence.
Lionel Scaloni's team continued to pile on the pressure as England sat deeper and deeper. Jordan Pickford pulled off one exceptional save, while Alexis Mac Allister had a header come back off the post.
It seemed inevitable that Argentina's dominance would result in a goal. It finally came in the 85th minute, with Messi setting up Enzo Fernández to fire home from just outside the penalty area.
On the English bench, Thomas Tuchel had no answer as the reigning champions went in for the kill. They found their winner in the 92nd minute, with Messi allowed too much space to deliver a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martínez to head in from close range.
The night will be remembered for the magic of Messi, as well as England's collapse after getting themselves so close to a first World Cup final in 60 years.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Argentina had been dominating the game for 30 minutes, but they couldn't find a way past Pickford in the English goal. With time running out, Messi took a corner short and drew two defenders to the ball before sliding it back to Fernández in acres of space.
The 25-year-old had already tried his luck when shooting from range. However, this time he was more precise, unleashing a thumping drive that flew past Pickford into the goal to break English hearts.
From that moment on, there was only likely to be one winner. Argentina's second-half onslaught continued and a shell-shocked England were soon picking the ball out of their net again.
Player Ratings: African Verdict
As has so often been the case at this tournament, it was Messi who made the difference. Following a quiet first half, he spent more time drifting over to the right flank after the interval. It was there that the African fan favourite found the space to carve open the chances that ultimately settled the contest.
Despite Konsa coming on to join Guéhi in an England back five, the Three Lions failed to keep it tight at any stage in the final 20 minutes. Rodrigo De Paul's introduction also helped Argentina seize control in midfield, with the Inter Miami man completing two key passes.
African fans would have been encouraged by some early bursts from Bellingham, but England's main stars failed to produce their best football on the night. Harry Kane was a huge disappointment, completing only nine passes and having just one shot.
Who Should African Fans Back in the Final?
Argentina will now play in the final on Sunday 19 July in New Jersey against Spain. It will see Lamine Yamal, whose parents are from Equatorial Guinea and Morocco, come up against Messi, his footballing idol.
African hearts will be divided. However, this is an opportunity for Messi to cement his legacy as the greatest player ever by winning a second World Cup. That storyline trumps Yamal's dramatic rise, with the teenager sure to have other chances to lift the trophy.
Spain are priced at 2.374 to win the match in regulation time. The draw is available at 3.135, while Argentina are on offer at 3.63.
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