It would not be an exaggeration to say that most of those watching the match at Atlanta stadium noticed 2 images, 2 very different faces of the reigning world champion in the 2 halves against the England team. An Argentina full of "tigers and leopards" in the first half of the match and an Argentina choosing to "play football" in the rest of the match.
It is not known whether that was in the plan of coach Lionel Scaloni or not, but the way Lionel Messi's teammates performed in the first half was a type of "trick" of geniuses, even... mutants. For many people who love beautiful football, it is not easy to accept.
That is why the first half was cut short, without professionalism. And of course, as people often say, how you treat others, you will receive the same thing in return. England is also ready to be "hard" and some of their stars even laugh at the opponent's tactics of provoking or "snoring". You may like the enthusiasm, strength, and fiery spirit of the satellites around Messi, but you can also see "female nature" in them when they are fouled by the opponent.
It is very likely that, with an ineffective opponent-depressing tactic, Argentina chooses to "play football" when returning after halftime. And during that time, their face is completely different. Not "playing to enjoy", but playing with the right ability, with what they have, that gentlemanly choice should have been shown from the beginning in the great battles.
They "played football" also opened up opportunities for the English to have space, even to have a goal to take the lead. However, focusing their minds on professional factors instead of indulging in collisions and arguments, helped the South American legs find themselves again. Long shots, headers, coordination, with a total of 13 shots - 6 times more in the first half, Argentina had 2 goals, 2 times the ball hit the post, making Jordan Pickford work hard.
Victory is the reward. Although some inappropriate choices of the England team are factors contributing to Argentina's final ticket, clearly, choosing to "play football" - meaning believing in yourself - brings more value.
