The greatest trick Satan has ever pulled is to convince the world that he does not exist.
Keyser Söze has a touch about Lionel Scaloni. There is a reason to analyze the positional organization of Luis de la Fuente, the tactical details of Thomas Tuchel and the attacking framework of Didier Deschamps. Yet, no manager at this World Cup has escaped such tactical scrutiny as Argentina’s.
Every time Scaloni was asked to explain Argentina’s remontada, his answer was the same: it’s indescribable, even he doesn’t understand it. Wednesday’s semi-final against England was another case in point. Argentina overcame the deficit – only their second World Cup semi-final comeback this century – to win 2-1. When asked how his team did it, Scaloni just offered a smile.
“I am surprised. This group never ceases to amaze me. It is very difficult for people to understand what the players are going through. My understanding is that when we face adversity, when we smell blood, we play our best football.”
And yet, hyperbole has no place in football discourse. ‘Smelling Blood’ failed to score 12 goals after the 75th minute, seven of them after the 90th minute. An explanation has to be given.
was against England.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni during the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kuferman)
64th minute: Substitutes who make a comeback
Thomas Tuchel accused his players of pulling back after Anthony Gordon’s opener, but the numbers tell a different story. Between Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute and Scaloni’s first change nine minutes later, Argentina managed just one shot, 0.2 expected goals.
And then came Nico Gonzalez.
On paper, only one option. In fact, he created three solutions for Scaloni.
Story continues below this ad
Gonzalez occupied his usual position on the left, allowing Alexis McAllister to move back into midfield and re-establish Argentina’s numerical superiority. And Lionel Messi, instead of trying to break complicated lines with balls, went straight for aerial balls.
Before England knew what had hit them, Messi launched a raft of crosses down the left, finding Gonzalez on each occasion. In the next five minutes, the Messi-Gonzalez captain combination knocked on the English door three times.
72nd minute: Tuchel falls on Scaloni’s bluff
England head coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the World Cup semi-final soccer match between England and Argentina, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Realizing that Reece James – recently back from injury – was struggling with Gonzalez, Tuchel moved to reinforce his right flank. Right-sided defender Ezri Konsa replaced goalkeeper Gordon.
The England manager didn’t realize he was walking into Scaloni’s trap.
Story continues below this ad
With Tuchel building resources down the Argentine’s left, Scaloni doubled to his right. At Konsa’s arrival, he brought in right-back Gonzalo Montiel and right-sided midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. Even Messi, who was playing a central role till then, moved to the right.
The result is reflected in the statistics. Seventeen of Argentina’s 20 crosses (85 percent) came from the right, 11 of which came from the Messi-Montil-de Paul triangle.
In a thrilling 40-second spell, De Paul delivered two inviting crosses for McAllister. Jordan Pickford denied one. Another hit the post.
Argentina was dropping. They will soon bring down the door.
Story continues below this ad
82nd minute: Tuchel reacts, but still falters
Champions League winner Tuchel realizes he has been sold a dummy. He tried to improve by introducing left-back Nico O’Reilly, but the decision to drop Declan Rice would prove costly.
By evening, Elliott Anderson’s job was simple: to deny Messi space. This he did with unparalleled efficiency. But he fell behind in midfield as Rice retreated.
Three minutes later, Argentina worked a short corner. Messi exchanged passes with De Paul and pulled Anderson towards the pair. The English midfielder had a third Argentina shirt hidden near D: Enzo Fernandes.
A noble long-ranger. 1-1.
Four minutes before the goal, Scaloni made another telling change. He had withdrawn left-back Nicolas Tagliafico and introduced another attacker – Lautaro Martinez. This change will be significant after 11 minutes.
Story continues below this ad
92nd minute: Magic beyond logic
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) runs with the ball to take a corner kick during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kuferman)
Since acceptance, Argentina had generated 1.41 xG compared to 0.4 previously. They attacked relentlessly from the flanks, creating 37 final-third entries from wide areas. They had 88 percent of possession since Gordon scored.
And yet, the scoreline read 1-1. Something had to give. When tactics end, cleverness begins.
And there he was: Messi, on the right. Tuchel had the situation covered. Or so he thought. He was doubled up on Messi – with O’Reilly and Spence both working to stop him crossing with the stick of his left foot.
Left foot?
Messi shaped to deliver from his left, feint both defenders, moved to his right and whipped in a delightful ball.
Story continues below this ad
Lautaro Martinez’s header. 2-1. A comeback for the ages. Scaloni wrote the comeback. Messi provided the final flourish.