Argentina Clinches World Cup Final Spot with Late Goals Again

Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final for the second consecutive tournament by defeating Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal match held overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The victory was marked by another late winning goal, continuing a remarkable pattern for the Argentine team throughout the competition. This was the fifth time Argentina scored a late goal in the current tournament, showcasing their resilience and clutch performance.

The sequence of late goals began in the group stage with Lionel Messi scoring in the 95th minute against Austria, followed by an own goal from Cape Verde's Dinai Borges in the 111th minute. In the round of 16, Argentina overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt 3-2, with Enzo Fernandez scoring the decisive goal, who also netted the equalizer in the semifinal. The quarterfinal against Switzerland saw Argentina score two late goals in extra time after a 1-1 draw in regulation, propelling them into the semifinals.

Argentina now aims to win the World Cup again, continuing their impressive form and ability to perform under pressure in the tournament's final stages. The team's late-game heroics have become a defining feature of their 2026 World Cup campaign.