The first half of England’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina on Wednesday night in Atlanta was, to put it charitably, a mess. And it made history for all the wrong reasons.
According to official match data tracking back to 1966, this was the first World Cup game ever — knockout stage or otherwise — to reach halftime without a single shot on target. Zero. Not one.
That doesn’t mean nothing happened. There were 19 fouls in the opening 45 minutes alone. Argentina committed 12 of them. England chipped in seven. The ball spent more time on the turf than it did moving through midfield. It was choppy, chippy, and borderline unwatchable for anyone hoping for flowing soccer.
The referee took heat from both sides
Ismail Elfath, the American official in charge, handed out just two yellow cards despite the avalanche of fouls. Elliot Anderson got one for clattering Lionel Messi. Lisandro Martinez got the other. But plenty of people — including former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson — thought Elfath lost control early.
“That’s one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve seen at this World Cup,” Robinson said. “He didn’t get a grip of the game from the start. He’s let so much go and the two coaches are not happy either. England have had to stick in this game because it has been tough. There’s a clear game plan. There’s been no real flow to the game.”
The foul count could have been higher if Elfath had called things tighter. Players from both teams tested his patience repeatedly. Argentina in particular seemed intent on disrupting any rhythm England tried to establish.
Bellingham laughed through the chaos
Jude Bellingham found himself in the middle of an early scuffle after Argentina’s Leandro Paredes leaned into him aggressively. The England star’s response? He laughed it off. It was a small moment but it captured the mood — Argentina trying to provoke, England refusing to bite.
Anderson was on the receiving end of multiple fouls early on and got tangled up with Enzo Fernandez at one point. Giuliano Simeone, son of Diego Simeone — the man who got David Beckham sent off in 1998 — hit the deck after what looked like a light push from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Off the ball, the tension was just as thick. Argentina’s players booed and chanted through England’s national anthem before kickoff. England fans returned the favor. The Falkland Islands conflict provided historical subtext that made this more than just a soccer game. It felt personal.
The first real attempt at goal didn’t arrive until the 33rd minute when John Stones headed wide from a set piece. Enzo Fernandez tried his luck from distance shortly after and sent the ball sailing over the bar. Neither Jordan Pickford nor Emiliano Martinez had to make a save all half.
At the break, the score was 0-0. The record book had a new entry. And both teams had a lot to figure out if they wanted to avoid extra time.
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