English Outraged by Argentine Behavior at World Cup: 31 Dirty Tricks

Although Thomas Tuchel's side led from the 55th minute thanks to Anthony Gordon's goal, the end of the match belonged to Argentina. Enzo Fernández first scored the equalizer, and Lautaro Martínez secured a 2-1 victory over England in stoppage time. Lionel Messi assisted both decisive goals.

However, according to English media, a major issue was the opponent's unsportsmanlike play, which they allegedly employed from the very start of the match. "All 31 dirty tricks Argentina used against England," reads the headline of an article in The Telegraph, which analyzes the World Cup semi-final minute by minute.

Upon reviewing all instances of alleged fouls by Argentine players, it's often difficult to find anything more than hard-fought challenges in a high-stakes game. However, some situations genuinely could have unsettled the English players and went unnoticed by the referee.

"From late tackles to off-the-ball attacks and attempts to take Harry Kane out of the game, Argentina used every dirty trick in the book to cement their reputation as masters of the dark arts," British journalists wrote.

"2nd minute. Emotions run high as Leandro Paredes needlessly shoves Jude Bellingham in the back, causing the Real Madrid player to fall."

"3rd minute. Argentina's tactic of preventing England from building attacks becomes evident when, just seconds after play resumes, Enzo Fernández collides with Anderson."

"6th minute. Manchester City's new signing is once again at the center of the action as Giuliano Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego, kicks Anderson in the back of the leg."

"15th minute. Leandro Paredes draws a foul on Bellingham, who feels the force of the challenge and remains on the ground, earning a stern rebuke from the Argentine."

"16th minute. Anthony Gordon breaks free and is immediately fouled by Simeone, who condescendingly pats him on the head while returning to defense during a free-kick."

"28th minute. Mac Allister makes a late tackle on Reece James, but no foul is called. Frustration boils over to the touchline, where Tuchel loses his temper."

"37th minute. Protests from Argentine players lead to a heated argument in midfield. Kane subtly covers his mouth while speaking to the referee, while Anderson receives a yellow card, prompting desperate pleas from Mac Allister and Paredes for his dismissal."

"53rd minute. Simeone swings his arm, striking Djed Spence in the face. No yellow card is issued."

"85th minute. After Fernández's goal, Romero seizes the opportunity to celebrate, shouting in the face of a dejected Pickford."

"Argentina's boisterous celebrations angered some English players who had managed to maintain control during the match. Dean Henderson shoved goalscorer Lautaro Martínez, while Rogers got entangled in a group of players, and Bellingham struck a substitute on the back of the head," The Telegraph illustrates the English star's behavior.

It must be added, however, that in Wednesday's World Cup encounter, players from both teams pushed the boundaries of fair play, but given the immense pressure, this is hardly surprising. Both teams desperately wanted to reach the final, a feat ultimately achieved by Argentina, who will face Spain in the battle for the coveted trophy.