England fans are fuming after Argentina's winning goal in the World Cup semi-final was allowed to stand, despite claims that Lionel Messi fouled Three Lions defender Djed Spence in the build-up. The controversy has sparked heated debate on social media, with many questioning why VAR did not intervene to overturn the decision.
The match itself was a thrilling affair, with England taking an early lead through Anthony Gordon. However, Argentina fought back to level the score through Enzo Fernandez's strike, before Lautaro Martinez sealed their fate in second-half stoppage time. Martinez's goal was a major blow to England's World Cup hopes, and the fact that it was allowed to stand has left many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The incident in question occurred just moments before Martinez's goal, when Messi and Spence sprinted for a 50/50 duel in the penalty area. While Spence appeared to win the ball, he was soon turning around in discomfort, and many fans believe that Messi's foot may have made contact with his leg. The referee, Ismael Elfath, waved play on, and England were punished just seconds later. Many fans are now questioning why VAR did not get involved to review the decision, and whether the goal should have been disallowed.
Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, has come under fire for his defensive second-half substitutions, which many fans believe ultimately cost them the match. However, Tuchel remains defiant, insisting that he has "no regrets" about his team's performance. "We were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances and could not turn the ball possession around," he said after the match. "We were close but we could not keep the level up after we scored. No regrets, the team gave everything and we were very very close."
The controversy surrounding Messi's alleged foul has dominated social media, with many fans taking to Twitter to express their outrage. Some have defended Messi, insisting that there was no contact made between the pair, while others have called for the Argentine superstar to be punished for his actions. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the World Cup is now one step closer to its thrilling conclusion, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the final showdown between Argentina and the winner of the other semi-final match.
Source: Daily Mail
