Sport

England’s World Cup dream shattered by dramatic Argentina comeback

Published

1 minute ago

July 16, 2026

Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal appeared to be carrying the Three Lions into their first final since 1966, before two late strikes turned the semi-final on its head

England’s hopes of ending 60 years of World Cup hurt were destroyed in devastating fashion as Argentina produced a late comeback to win a dramatic semi-final 2-1 in Atlanta.

The Three Lions were five minutes away from reaching Sunday’s final after Anthony Gordon converted an excellent Morgan Rogers cross shortly after the interval.

But Enzo Fernandez equalised with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home a Lionel Messi cross in stoppage time, sending the defending champions into the final against Spain.

England had spent much of the evening matching Argentina physically and tactically. Thomas Tuchel’s side defended aggressively, frustrated Messi and carried a threat through the movement of Gordon, Rogers and Jude Bellingham.

However, England became increasingly defensive after taking the lead and ultimately invited the world champions to attack them.

It was another agonising major tournament defeat for a country that has repeatedly come within touching distance of glory in recent years.

A tense opening

There was little attractive football during a fiercely contested first half in which challenges flew in and tempers repeatedly threatened to boil over.

The first genuine opportunity did not arrive until after the half-hour mark, when John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free-kick.

Reece James later tested Emiliano Martinez with a curling free-kick, while Fernandez sent Argentina’s first attempt off target from distance.

The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with neither side having established control of a match carrying the weight of decades of footballing rivalry.

Argentina emerged with greater purpose after the restart. Julian Alvarez twice forced Jordan Pickford into saves during the opening minutes of the second half, but it was England who struck first.

Gordon puts England ahead

Rogers found space on the right in the 55th minute and delivered a superb ball across the six-yard box.

Gordon timed his arrival perfectly, guiding the cross beyond Martinez at the back post and sparking wild celebrations among the England players and supporters.

For a moment, England could see the final.

Argentina almost responded immediately when Giuliano Simeone broke through, but Djed Spence produced a perfectly timed intervention to prevent a clear opportunity.

That proved to be one of several vital defensive moments as the pressure began to build.

Pickford made an excellent reaction save from Nicolas Gonzalez before Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post. Fernandez then forced the England goalkeeper to tip another long-range effort over the crossbar.

Tuchel’s changes invite pressure

Rather than attempting to exploit the increasing space left by Argentina, England retreated.

Gordon was replaced by defender Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute, while Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly were introduced ten minutes later for Rice and James.

The changes moved England into a back five, but left the side without an effective route out of its own half.

Sky Sports reported that England averaged only 12 per cent possession between Gordon’s goal and Argentina’s winner. The Three Lions also failed to record another touch inside the opposition penalty area after taking the lead.

The equaliser felt increasingly inevitable.

Argentina worked a short corner in the 85th minute before Messi found Fernandez near the edge of the box. The midfielder drove an emphatic finish beyond Pickford and into the corner.

England were visibly shaken and never recovered their composure.

Mac Allister struck the post again during stoppage time. Messi collected the loose ball and delivered a cross towards the back post, where Martinez rose to head home the winner.

England, who had been within minutes of the final, were suddenly out.

Kane left “gutted”

Captain Harry Kane admitted England had attempted to defend their lead rather than continue playing with the approach that had put them ahead.

He said: “Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, it’s not enough.

“We’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting.”

Tuchel acknowledged that his side had become too passive but defended his decision to strengthen the defence.

He said the switch to a back five had been intended to close gaps and improve England’s ability to defend crosses, adding that he had “no regrets” over the tactical decision.

The manager also indicated that he intends to remain in charge and lead England into Euro 2028, which will be staged across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with matches held in Wales.

Another familiar collapse

The circumstances will fuel an uncomfortable inquest.

England led Croatia before losing their 2018 World Cup semi-final, scored first against Italy before losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties and were ahead against Spain before falling short in the Euro 2024 final.

This time, England appeared to have finally learned how to navigate the decisive moments of a major tournament.

Instead, they again surrendered momentum while attempting to protect a narrow advantage.

Argentina’s victory means Messi, now 39, will have the opportunity to lead his country to consecutive World Cup titles when the holders face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey. He played a decisive role in Atlanta despite being kept relatively quiet for much of the match, providing the final pass for both goals.

England’s tournament is not quite finished. Tuchel’s side will face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday at 10pm BST.

But the match will offer little consolation after a night when England stood on the brink of history, only to watch the opportunity disappear in seven brutal minutes.

Sport

Davies demands FIFA action over Argentina’s Falklands banner

Published

15 minutes ago

July 16, 2026

Herald Sport

Welsh Conservative says post-match political display was “unacceptable” following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

WELSH Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies has called for FIFA to take action after Argentina players celebrated their World Cup victory over England by displaying a banner asserting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, meaning “The Malvinas are Argentine”, was displayed on the pitch following Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory in Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso were pictured holding the banner and waving towards Argentina supporters after their side scored twice in the closing minutes to overturn England’s 1-0 lead.

The result sent the defending champions into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.

Mr Davies, the Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, described the display as unacceptable and called on people across the United Kingdom to condemn it.

He also said football’s international governing body must investigate whether the Argentina Football Association or members of the national team had breached tournament rules.

FIFA’s stadium code of conduct prohibits banners, flags, clothing and other material considered political, offensive or discriminatory from being displayed inside World Cup venues.

FIFA had not publicly announced whether disciplinary proceedings would be opened at the time of publication. UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle has also called for the incident to be formally investigated.

The controversy has particular resonance in Wales because of the role of the Welsh Guards in the 1982 Falklands conflict.

Thirty-two Welsh Guardsmen were killed when Argentine aircraft attacked RFA Sir Galahad near Bluff Cove on June 8, 1982. The incident was one of the deadliest attacks suffered by British forces during the 74-day conflict and left many other servicemen seriously injured or burned.

In total, 255 British personnel and 649 Argentine military personnel were killed during the war.

The Falkland Islands are administered as a self-governing British Overseas Territory, although Argentina continues to claim sovereignty and refers to the islands as Las Malvinas.

In a referendum held in 2013, 99.8 per cent of participating islanders voted to retain their existing political status as a British Overseas Territory. The UK Government maintains that there can be no negotiations about sovereignty unless the islanders themselves request them.

Mr Davies said: “The Falkland Islands are British and people from across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland must come together to condemn this unacceptable gesture.

“FIFA wrongly punishes our football teams for displaying poppies around Remembrance Day.

“If football’s governing body does not take robust action against Argentina, the double standard will stink.”

FIFA fined the football associations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland following poppy displays during international matches around Armistice Day in 2016, after ruling that the commemorations breached regulations concerning political symbols.

Sport

Pembrokeshire cricket weekend round-up: Week 11 keeps title races alive

Published

7 days ago

July 9, 2026

Herald Sport

A WEEKEND of tight finishes, big individual performances and important wins kept the promotion races moving across the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League.

Saundersfoot remain top of Division One after a dramatic tie with Neyland, while Carew kept up the pressure with victory at St Ishmaels.

Hook continue to lead Division Two, Laugharne are still the team to catch in Division Three, and Lawrenny II remain out in front in Division Four.

Lower down the pyramid, Cresselly III stay top of Division Five despite defeat to Whitland II, while Lamphey II lead Division Six after another strong win.

Division One: Saundersfoot held in Neyland thriller

Saundersfoot remain unbeaten at the top of Division One, but they were made to work hard in a dramatic tied match against Neyland.

Both sides finished on 207-8. Paul Murray made 69 and Ross Hardy added 68 for Neyland, while Tom Mansbridge hit 64 for Saundersfoot and Sam Franklin made 39.

Carew stayed second with a six-wicket win over St Ishmaels. Herbrandston were emphatic winners over Narberth, winning by 157 runs, while Lawrenny picked up a valuable 88-run win over Whitland.

Division One results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
St Ishmaels	100 all out	Carew	101-4	Carew won by 6 wickets
Burton	148 all out	Cresselly	151-3	Cresselly won by 7 wickets
Herbrandston	249-7	Narberth	92 all out	Herbrandston won by 157 runs
Neyland	207-8	Saundersfoot	207-8	Match tied
Lawrenny	223 all out	Whitland	135 all out	Lawrenny won by 88 runs

Division One table

Team	Played	Points
Saundersfoot	11	181
Carew	11	166
Neyland	11	151
Cresselly	11	141
Herbrandston	11	135
Burton	11	106
Narberth	11	102
St Ishmaels	11	76
Lawrenny	11	73
Whitland	11	58

Division Two: Hook stay top as Johnston keep chase alive

Hook remain top of Division Two after an eight-wicket win over Haverfordwest.

Haverfordwest made 187-8, with Ben Field scoring 64 and James Marchant unbeaten on 57. Hook chased it down on 190-2, Lewis Miller making 61, Mikey Jones 52 and Aled Phelps 50 not out.

Johnston remain close behind after an eight-wicket win over Llangwm, while Fishguard edged one of the closest games of the weekend, beating Llanrhian by just two runs.

Division Two results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
Haverfordwest	187-8	Hook	190-2	Hook won by 8 wickets
Johnston	114-2	Llangwm	111 all out	Johnston won by 8 wickets
Fishguard	217-6	Llanrhian	215-9	Fishguard won by 2 runs
Cresselly II	151 all out	Llechryd	155-2	Llechryd won by 8 wickets
Pembroke	56 all out	Pembroke Dock	141-8	Pembroke Dock won by 85 runs

Division Two table

Team	Played	Points
Hook	11	177
Johnston	11	170
Haverfordwest	11	159
Pembroke	11	155
Cresselly II	11	140
Fishguard	11	132
Pembroke Dock	11	101
Llechryd	11	92
Llanrhian	11	85
Llangwm	11	80

Division Three: Laugharne remain out in front

Laugharne continue to lead Division Three after an eight-wicket win over Haverfordwest II.

Haverfordwest II reached 152-6, with David Haynes making 45, Jac Peters 47 and Doug Johnson 28. Laugharne replied with 155-2, Matt Tait finishing unbeaten on 76 and Harry Clapperton making 49.

Lamphey beat Burton II by six wickets, Saundersfoot II were convincing nine-wicket winners over Pembroke II, and Kilgetty kept their promotion push alive with a seven-wicket win over Stackpole.

Division Three results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
Lamphey	74-4	Burton II	73 all out	Lamphey won by 6 wickets
Laugharne	155-2	Haverfordwest II	152-6	Laugharne won by 8 wickets
Carew II	153-4	Hundleton	152-8	Carew II won by 6 wickets
Saundersfoot II	77-1	Pembroke II	75 all out	Saundersfoot II won by 9 wickets
Kilgetty	179-3	Stackpole	175-7	Kilgetty won by 7 wickets

Division Three table

Team	Played	Points
Laugharne	11	181
Carew II	11	152
Lamphey	11	150
Kilgetty	11	138
Pembroke II	11	119
Saundersfoot II	11	114
Hundleton	11	104
Haverfordwest II	11	102
Burton II	10	94
Stackpole	10	46

Division Four: Lawrenny II lead after Daley display

Lawrenny II remain top of Division Four after a 26-run win over Llechryd II.

Rhys Daley was the key man, making 75 before taking 4-32. Narberth II stayed in touch with a 63-run win over Neyland II, while Hook II were seven-wicket winners against St Ishmaels II.

Division Four results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
Carew III	115 all out	Haverfordwest III	116-5	Haverfordwest III won by 5 wickets
Crymych	183-7	Herbrandston II	186-8	Herbrandston II won by 2 wickets
Llechryd II	162-8	Lawrenny II	188-7	Lawrenny II won by 26 runs
Narberth II	217-6	Neyland II	154-9	Narberth II won by 63 runs
Hook II	56-3	St Ishmaels II	54 all out	Hook II won by 7 wickets

Division Four table

Team	Played	Points
Lawrenny II	10	156
Narberth II	11	150
Hook II	11	138
Herbrandston II	11	129
Neyland II	11	129
St Ishmaels II	11	128
Crymych	11	121
Haverfordwest III	11	109
Llechryd II	11	102
Carew III	10	71

Division Five: Cresselly III beaten but stay top

Cresselly III remain top of Division Five despite a 35-run defeat to Whitland II.

Whitland II made 162-6 before bowling Cresselly III out for 127. Connor Beynon produced one of the performances of the weekend, hitting an unbeaten 110 as Hundleton II beat Llangwm II by 36 runs.

Pembroke III also enjoyed a strong chase, beating Pembroke Dock II by six wickets.

Division Five results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
Llangwm II	172-4	Hundleton II	208-8	Hundleton II won by 36 runs
Llanrhian II	112-4	Llechryd III	111-9	Llanrhian II won by 6 wickets
Pembroke Dock II	195-4	Pembroke III	196-4	Pembroke III won by 6 wickets
Whitland II	162-6	Cresselly III	127 all out	Whitland II won by 35 runs

Division Five table

Team	Played	Points
Cresselly III	10	174
Whitland II	11	146
Llangwm II	9	142
Llanrhian II	9	127
Pembroke III	10	100
Pembroke Dock II	10	70
Llechryd III	9	69
Hundleton II	8	45

Division Six: Lamphey II lead after eight-wicket win

Lamphey II remain top of Division Six after beating Haverfordwest IV by eight wickets.

Haverfordwest IV were bowled out for 191, with Tom Baker making 47 not out, Stef Ateyo 43 and Brandon Dewstowe 30. Lamphey II replied with 193-2, John Sture finishing unbeaten on 82 and James White also making 82.

Kilgetty II picked up a 48-run win over Haverfordwest/Cresselly, with Iwan Godwaltz making 101 and taking 2-39.

Division Six results

Home side	Score	Away side	Score	Result
Bye		Laugharne II		No match
Haverfordwest IV	191 all out	Lamphey II	193-2	Lamphey II won by 8 wickets
Haverfordwest/Cresselly	156 all out	Kilgetty II	204 all out	Kilgetty II won by 48 runs
Neyland III	110 all out	Whitland III	113-7	Whitland III won by 3 wickets

Division Six table

Team	Played	Points
Lamphey II	9	140
Haverfordwest IV	10	123
Whitland III	10	116
Neyland III	10	109
Haverfordwest/Cresselly	8	80
Laugharne II	9	69
Kilgetty II	10	53

Weekend stars

Player	Club	Performance
Harry Nicholas	Herbrandston	74 and 4-16
Charlie Arthur	Lawrenny	81 and 4-33
Connor Beynon	Hundleton II	110 not out
Iwan Godwaltz	Kilgetty II	101 and 2-39
Rhys Daley	Lawrenny II	75 and 4-32
Matt Tait	Laugharne	76 not out
John Sture	Lamphey II	82 not out
James White	Lamphey II	82
Josh Samuel	Saundersfoot II	5-10
Tom Murphy	Cresselly	5-26 and 25
Lewis Miller	Hook	61 and 3-32
Sam Kurtz	Fishguard	79
Nitai Durey	Crymych	83
Jac Davies	Llechryd	81 not out

Sport

Rising rally star claims maiden Mini Rally Challenge victory

Published

7 days ago

July 9, 2026

Herald Sport

Newcastle Emlyn’s Henri Cynwyl secures first outright R53 Mini Rally Challenge win at Greystoke Stages Rally in Cumbria

RISING rally star Henri Cynwyl has claimed his first outright victory in the R53 Mini Rally Challenge after an impressive performance at the Greystoke Stages Rally in Cumbria.

The young driver from Newcastle Emlyn, who recently made his gravel debut at the Plains Rally, wasted no time in showing his potential on one of the toughest events of the season.

In only his second gravel rally, Henri delivered a composed and determined drive over rough and demanding terrain. Despite difficult conditions and damage to the car during the event, he secured victory in the R53 Mini Rally Challenge, finished an outstanding 15th overall, and took second in Class 3 in the over 2000cc category.

The result further strengthens Henri’s reputation as one of rallying’s brightest young prospects and marks another major step forward in his developing career.

Speaking after the event, 18-year-old Henri said: “This was my second outing at a gravel event and I’m absolutely delighted with the win, especially on very rough and challenging terrain.

“It was my first time at Greystoke and although it was rough, I really enjoyed it. I knew I just had to get back to service for the win with a one minute 30 second lead.”

For the apprentice electrician, finishing inside the top 15 overall and second in class capped off a superb weekend.

Henri added: “A huge thank you to my support network and sponsors, especially W1 Motorsport Group and team manager Mark Williams, who has a wealth of knowledge and gives me valuable advice.

“From the service crew to my mum, they have all been terrific. It was also brilliant to have the support and help from other Mini Rally Challenge members, who went above and beyond to help fix my damaged radiator.

“I really appreciate all the phone calls and messages from family, friends and sponsors. They all mean a lot to me.”

Henri also paid tribute to his co-driver Dilwyn John, whose experience proved invaluable throughout the event.

He said: “Having Dilwyn John as my co-driver was super. He is very experienced at gravel, stage and night events, and reading the maps over the weekend suited him perfectly.

“Thirteen-year-old Wil Parry also came along to service. He is very much part of the team now. It was his 13th birthday and he worked so hard with Mark to make sure the car was running well. Top job!

“I would also like to thank all of the organisers for a great event. We will be back next year.”

With a podium finish on his gravel debut followed immediately by his first outright Mini Rally Challenge victory, the future looks bright for Henri.

If these early performances are anything to go by, the Newcastle Emlyn youngster is certainly one to watch as his rally career continues to gather momentum.