On Wednesday, two arch-enemies will meet in the World Cup semi-finals. England and Argentina have a history filled with war, controversy and unforgettable moments – now they meet again in Atlanta.
Both camps have tried to downplay the historical significance of this semi-final. But there is no doubt: this match has an extra sting.
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It’s not going to be pretty!
The two nations were at war in 1982 over the Falkland Islands, and Argentina’s supporters constantly make references to the disputed territory in the South Atlantic. Even Argentina’s players were heard singing about the Falkland Islands after the victory over Switzerland on Saturday.
The sporting rivalry is no less controversial.
1966, 1986, 1998 – three games that defined a hate
In 1966, Argentina’s captain Antonio Rattin refused to leave the pitch after receiving two yellow cards in the space of three minutes. The game was stopped for eight minutes. Afterwards, England manager Alf Ramsey described the Argentines as “animals”.
In 1986, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” ensured that Argentina progressed. Maradona punched the ball into the net with his hand – and added a magnificent second goal from midfield. It remains one of the most contentious moments in World Cup history.
In 1998, the game was 2-2 when David Beckham flicked out against Diego Simeone. The Argentine fell, Beckham got a red card – and Argentina won on penalties. Simeone later admitted that “the referee fell into the trap”.
The political and sporting background explains the extra excitement. Police in Atlanta are on high alert, and thousands of supporters from both countries are expected to flock to the city over the next 48 hours.
“It’s just a football game”
Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni tried to play down the significance:
“This is a football match. We face a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach – it’s a football game, and that’s all.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford repeated the message:
“I think it’s just about focusing on ourselves, on being at our best to beat another top nation. It’s us against them to get a place in the final – and it’s a football match. 90 minutes, 120 or penalties. We are ready for anything.
Luck and controversy – both teams have had their share
Both teams have been lucky on the way here. England can thank the referee for Norway getting a goal annulled for a push from Erling Haaland. Argentina have had more than one decision in their favor:
- Lionel Messi avoided a red card for putting his heel on Algeria’s captain in the opening match. He scored a hat-trick instead.
- Egypt had a goal annulled, and Mohamed Salah had a penalty disallowed just before Enzo Fernández scored the winning goal.
- Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation in the quarter-finals – Argentina won 3-1 after extra time.
Team news – Rice uncertain, Saka in
England’s biggest concern is Declan Rice. He was taken off during the break against Norway after three days in bed with illness.
It is also uncertain who will start at right-back. Reece James has trained, but it’s risky to throw him into a game of this caliber. Ezri Konsa is the favourite to start, with John Stones and Marc Guéhi in central defence. Jarell Quansah has been suspended.
Bukayo Saka is expected to replace Noni Madueke on the right wing.
Argentina tested a five-back line in training on Monday. If Scaloni chooses it, Rodrigo De Paul will be eliminated in favor of Nicolás Otamendi. However, it is most likely that Argentina will line up unchanged.
Predicted line-ups
England: Pickford – Konsa, Stones, Guéhi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson, Bellingham – Saka, Gordon, Kane
Argentina: E. Martínez – Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico – Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández – Álvarez, Messi
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Key figures
- England have won 6 out of 14 previous meetings, 6 draws.
- Argentina have reached the final in all five of their previous World Cup semi-finals.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel could become the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a country other than his own.
- Argentina scores 2.6 goals per game in this World Cup, England 2.1.
- Both teams concede 0.9 goals per game.
Our Prediction
It becomes a heated affair – and it can be about which team best controls the emotions. We think England can do just that – but don’t expect a goal show.
Prediction: England 1-0 Argentina
