England fans watching the World Cup semi-final on Brighton beach erupted into celebrations as the Three Lions took the lead against Argentina – but their joy was short-lived.
Footage captured the moment supporters cheered, embraced and sang songs after England opened the scoring on Wednesday evening (July 15), only for the mood to change dramatically later on.
There had been a festival-like atmosphere at the Central Park fan zone, on Black Rock Beach, as hundreds came together to cheer England on.
Fans dressed in England shirts, wearing themed bucket hats, and draped in St George's flags gathered around the giant screen in the hope of seeing Thomas Tuchel's side book a place in the final.
There had been a festival-like atmosphere at the Central Park fan zone, on Black Rock Beach, as hundreds came together to cheer England on. Photo: Eddie Mitchellplaceholder image
There had been a festival-like atmosphere at the Central Park fan zone, on Black Rock Beach, as hundreds came together to cheer England on. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
Ex-Arsenal and Aston Villa footballer turned pundit, Paul Merson, was the special guest for the night, and gave an on-stage interview, at half-time.
The mood reached fever pitch when England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, in the second-half.
However, the jubilation proved to be short-lived as Argentina fought back to win 2-1, with two late goals – ending England's hopes of reaching a World Cup final for the first time since the 1966 victory.
The dramatic turnaround left many supporters stunned as the final whistle confirmed the Three Lions' exit from the tournament.
There had been a festival-like atmosphere at the Central Park fan zone, on Black Rock Beach, as hundreds came together to cheer England on. Photo: Eddie Mitchellplaceholder image
There had been a festival-like atmosphere at the Central Park fan zone, on Black Rock Beach, as hundreds came together to cheer England on. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
Despite the heartbreaking result, the fan zone remained a showcase of the passion and optimism that had carried England through another memorable World Cup campaign.
Hundreds had gathered throughout the evening to cheer on their team, transforming Brighton seafront into a sea of white shirts and waving flags.
England will now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against France, while Argentina progress to Sunday's World Cup final, where they will face Spain in a bid to become world champions.
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