It had to be Argentina, didn't it? Just when England fans were allowing themselves to dream, just when the tournament was going so well, along came the South Americans to remind everyone exactly why they are world champions. Two late goals in Atlanta, and just like that, England are going home.
For long stretches of this semi-final, England were genuinely the better side. Tuchel has done a solid job of organising this team, giving them a defensive shape and a clear identity, and for much of the night that was on full display. England looked composed, looked dangerous on the break, and looked like a team that genuinely believed they could reach a World Cup final. That belief will now have to wait at least another four years.
The problem with Argentina, though, is that they never really go away. Even when they are second best, you always feel like Lionel Scaloni has something up his sleeve, and the squad has enough individual quality to punish you the moment you take your foot off the gas. England did exactly that, and Argentina made them pay in the most painful way possible.
Two goals in the final stages of the match is hard to take at any time. In a World Cup semi-final it is absolutely gut-wrenching. The English supporters who made the trip to Atlanta deserved better than to watch their team capitulate in the closing minutes after working so hard for so long.
To be fair to Tuchel, he will not be short of excuses if he wants them, but the honest truth is that England were not ruthless enough when they had the chance to kill the game off. In knockout football at this level you cannot sit on a lead and hope for the best. Argentina know that. England are still learning it.
So another World Cup ends in heartbreak for England, and Argentina march on to the final. The Three Lions gave it a real go this time, and there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about the future, but right now that is cold comfort for a nation that so desperately wanted this to be their year.
Let me know your thoughts.