Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to beat England 2-1 in a fiercely contested World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, scoring twice in the final six minutes to set up a showdown with Spain on Sunday.

Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute header had given England a deserved lead after a cagey, physical first half that set an unwanted World Cup record for the first 30 minutes without a shot from either side. The opener came from a brilliant Morgan Rogers cross, with Gordon ghosting in front of his defender to volley past Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina, who had been utterly dominant in possession since falling behind, finally broke through in the 85th minute. Enzo Fernandez, who had tested Jordan Pickford with several long-range efforts, unleashed a spectacular curling strike from 25 yards that left the England goalkeeper with no chance.

Deep into stoppage time, Argentina struck again. Alexis Mac Allister’s shot hit the post, but Lionel Messi kept the play alive and delivered a precise cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez, who powered a header past Pickford to complete the dramatic comeback.

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The match had begun at a ferocious pace, befitting one of international football’s great rivalries. The two sides produced the most fouls (19) in the first half of any World Cup match, with not a single shot recorded in the opening 30 minutes — an unwanted record.

The intensity was such that referee Ismail Elfath was forced to call a halt to play just minutes into the game to try and calm the tension. It was to no avail. Fouls continued to punctuate the half, with Argentina committing 12 fouls and England seven.

A shot on target eluded both sides until the 33rd minute, when John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice delivery. Enzo Fernandez then tested the crossbar with a curling effort as Argentina grew into the game.

England’s Elliot Anderson received the first yellow card of the match in the 38th minute for a cynical foul on Lionel Messi. Lisandro Martinez then picked up Argentina’s first booking for pulling Morgan Rogers’ shirt in the 42nd minute.

The half ended 0-0. Neither team had managed a shot on target, with the teams combining for 19 fouls and two yellow cards in a fiery first period.

England stunned Argentina just 10 minutes into the second half. Harry Kane started a breakout with a brilliant pass downfield. Declan Rice fed Morgan Rogers, who delivered a perfect cross for Anthony Gordon to volley past Emiliano Martinez for his first career World Cup goal.

England almost doubled their lead when Djed Spence produced an incredible goal-saving tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone, who was clean through on goal.

The game then became a tale of two approaches. England, content with their lead, dropped deeper and defended in numbers. Argentina pushed relentlessly, with Messi pulling the strings. Gordon was substituted in the 72nd minute as England brought on defensive reinforcements.

Argentina’s pressure finally paid off. In the 85th minute, Messi found Enzo Fernandez in space 25 yards from goal. The Chelsea midfielder took a quick touch and unleashed a stunning curling strike that gave Pickford no chance.

England were shell-shocked. Argentina smelled blood. In the second minute of added time, Alexis Mac Allister’s shot hit the post. Messi kept the ball alive and delivered a perfect cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez, who powered a header past Pickford.

England pushed desperately for an equaliser but could not find one. Argentina held on to secure the victory.