England vs Argentina semifinal first-half highlights in Atlanta

The first half of the Atlanta semifinal unfolded with a rapid tempo, as Team C seized an early advantage in the third minute when forward Luis Hernández curled a low shot past the keeper, setting the score at 1‑0. The momentum shifted at the 18‑minute mark when Team D equalized through a header from midfielder Jamal Brooks after a corner, and a second‑half‑type strike from the right flank in the 34th minute restored Team C’s lead; the goal, assisted by a quick one‑two between Hernández and winger Marco Silva, was confirmed after a brief VAR review. The half was marked by three yellow cards—two issued to Team D’s defenders for repeated late tackles and one to Team C’s midfielder for dissent—and a total of nine fouls, with the most contentious incident occurring in the 42nd minute when Team D’s captain was booked for a reckless challenge that sparked a heated exchange between the benches.

By the 45‑minute whistle the scoreboard read 2‑1 in favor of Team C, with the side holding 55% possession, completing 12 shots (four on target) compared with Team D’s eight attempts (two on target). The disciplinary tally stood at four cautions and one direct red card issued to Team D’s forward for violent conduct during the post‑goal dispute. The statistics and incidents from the opening half suggest a tightly contested encounter, with both squads poised to intensify their efforts in the second half as the semifinal progresses toward its decisive conclusion.