ATLANTA, United States, July 15 (Xinhua) -- England and Argentina were locked at 0-0 at halftime of their World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
Early altercations set the tone as Leandro Paredes shoved Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez fouled Elliot Anderson, and Bellingham conceded a free kick for a late challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Neither side had a shot on target until the 33rd minute, when Declan Rice's chipped delivery from a set piece found John Stones at the far post, but his header went wide.
At the other end, Lionel Messi had a long-range effort blocked before the ball fell to Fernandez, whose curling attempt sailed just over the crossbar.
Messi struggled to make an impact, often dropping deep to help Argentina retain possession and finding himself crowded out whenever the Albiceleste pushed forward.
The winner will face Spain in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
