Saturday’s World Cup matches saw more controversy (Image: Getty Images)
All you need to know about the World Cup semi-finals after England and Argentina overcame scares
- Argentina Seal Semi-Final place: Defending champions Argentina secured their spot in the World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra-time. After an initial opener from Alexis Mac Allister, crucial extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez kept their title defence alive.
- More World Cup VAR Controversy: The match took a dramatic turn at 1-1 due to a highly unusual and historic VAR intervention regarding mistaken identity. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off for a second yellow card after replay officials discovered he had actually dived during an incident where Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was initially penalised.
- England Deny Haaland: England also needed extra-time to get past a tricky Norway side and secure their own spot in the semi-finals. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham acted as the hero once again, scoring a crucial brace to overturn an early opening goal from Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup.
- Thomas Tuchel Clashes with Media: Despite the victory, England head coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly frustrated with his squad’s overall on-pitch performance. His irritation boiled over after the match into a heated, televised argument with ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke when the team’s mental toughness was questioned.
- Jude Bellingham Disagrees with Manager: Match-hero Bellingham publicly distanced himself from his manager’s harsh post-match criticisms. Instead of focusing on the negatives, the midfielder fiercely praised his teammates and pointed out that there is a massive difference between managing a game and actually playing in it.
- Erling Haaland‘s Father Causes a Scene: Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland endured a deeply frustrating, goalless afternoon in Miami during his country’s 2-1 defeat. Off the pitch, his father Alfie Haaland made negative headlines after allegedly shouting curses at the field and accusing England’s Djed Spence of diving.
- The Semi-Final Path is Set: The complete World Cup semi-final bracket has now been locked in for the remaining four global powerhouses. The first heavyweight clash will feature 2018 champions France taking on reigning European champions Spain on July 14.
- England and Argentina Lock Horns: The second semi-final will see longtime rivals England and Argentina face off in Atlanta on July 15 at 8pm.