Goal! England scores first as tense second half in England v Argentina under way

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Will Lionel Messi deliver? These Argentinian fans hope so.

Football fans around the motu are clued to screens as they cheer on two teams from oceans away - England and Argentina - as they via for a place in the Fifa World Cup final.

After a goalless first half, England has scored first as the two teams battle in the Fifa World Cup final against Spain on Monday morning, NZ time.

A subdued Old Bailey has come alive after England’s opening goal. Every pass or defensive stop is loudly cheered and applauded.

For England, it could end 60 years since it won its one and only World Cup. Argentina are defending their 2022 win.

Maria Cooke gets ready for the game at Chimichurri

Are you watching the game? Send us your photos of your gathering to news@thepost.co.nz

In Wellington, mostly England supporters have gathered at the Old Bailey on Wellington’s Lambton Quay and at the Chimichurri Argentinian restaurant in Brooklyn, Argentinian fans are clued to the screen.

The Old Bailey in central Wellington is packed out for what is a ticketed event due to demand - $14 entry, with a bacon butty.

About 80 people, nearly all in Argentina's colours, have packed into Chimichurri, a small Argentinian restaurant in Brooklyn.

For added authenticity, the commentary on the big screen is in Spanish. The occasional cutting out of transmission is doing nothing to dent the crowd’s enthusiasm.

At Old Bailey fans were fuming when England conceded the first yellow card, after perceptions Argentina had escaped sanction for persistent fouls.

At Chimichurri, Argentinian fans disagree.

Chimichurri’s owner Lautoro Herrera said the first half had been tough.

“Argentina is trying to handle it, all the attack from England. We gave them a little bit of ball at the beginning but at the end we had a couple of chances to score, he said.

Gasps from Argentinian fans after a near miss.

Three Lions fans at the Old Bailey in Wellington.

Chimichurri owners Magdalena Presa and Lautaro Herrera are ready for the game in Brooklyn. Their team has come out in the dark blue shirts worn in 1986 when Argentina won the quarter final against England - the year of the infamous “hand of God” goal by Maradona.

The second half was expected to be just as tough.

“I hope Messi makes some magic move and can give us a victory.”

Stay with us as we will be at both venues this morning as this decisive match plays out.