Argentina and England clash in World Cup semifinal in Atlanta today

Today, the world of football witnesses one of the most talked-about and emotional rivalries as Argentina and England face off for a place in the World Cup final. The significance of this match is hard to express in words; it is not just a game but a revival of the pride, history, rivalry, and emotions that have spanned generations.

In the semifinal taking place in Atlanta on Wednesday, Lionel Messi will play against England in the World Cup for the first time in his career. Defending champions Argentina will face Thomas Tuchel’s England, who aim to end a 60-year title drought.

The World Cup rivalry between these two nations began in 1962. Since then, it has been marked by unforgettable goals, controversial decisions, red cards, and historic moments. However, this rivalry extends beyond the pitch, especially heightened by the political tensions following the Falklands War in 1982. Argentine players and fans often reference that war through football chants.

Ahead of today’s match in World Cup history, the journey of the five previous encounters between Argentina and England is memorable. Many might be surprised to learn that England has won more of these encounters. However, Argentina has often triumphed in decisive moments.

1962: England 3-1 Argentina (Group Stage, Chile)

Compared to later encounters, this match was relatively calm. England took a 3-0 lead with goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves. Argentina managed to score a late goal but couldn’t avoid defeat. Both teams had one win and one loss in the group stage, but England advanced to the quarterfinals on superior goal difference, where they lost to Brazil.

1966: England 1–0 Argentina (Quarterfinal, Wembley)

For many, this match is considered the real beginning of the football rivalry between the two countries. Argentina still claims they were wronged in this match, arguing that Geoff Hurst’s decisive goal was offside. The most significant controversy, however, was the red card given to captain Antonio Rattin. After fouling Bobby Charlton in the 33rd minute, Rattin argued with the referee and refused to leave the field, causing an eight-minute delay. After the match, England manager Alf Ramsey famously referred to the Argentine players as “animals” and instructed his players not to swap jerseys. This match’s controversy is renowned worldwide and is credited with advancing the introduction of yellow and red cards in football, first used in the 1970 World Cup. Rattin, who played for Argentina from 1959 to 1969 and was a member of the 1962 and 1966 World Cup squads, passed away last Saturday at the age of 89.

1986: Argentina 2-1 England (Quarterfinal, Mexico)

This match is forever remembered for Diego Maradona. Occurring four years after the Falklands War, the political tension was at its peak. Argentina viewed the match as an emotional opportunity for post-war revenge. Maradona scored one of the most controversial goals in football history by using his hand to score past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, later famously dubbed the “Hand of God.” He then scored another goal, considered one of the best in World Cup history, dribbling past several English players from his own half. Although Gary Lineker scored for England, the team was eliminated. Maradona apologized for the incident only in 2005, but Shilton did not accept the apology. Argentina went on to win the World Cup by defeating West Germany in the final.

1998: Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)

This match is unforgettable for David Beckham. After Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer scored penalties, Michael Owen scored one of the best goals in World Cup history with a brilliant solo effort to give England the lead. However, Javier Zanetti equalized with an excellent free-kick strategy. In the second half, Beckham received a red card for kicking Diego Simeone. Despite being reduced to 10 men, England continued to fight. Sol Campbell’s goal was disallowed for a foul. The match went to a penalty shootout, where David Batty and Paul Ince missed, giving Argentina a 4-3 victory. A year later, Simeone admitted he had successfully deceived the referee, saying, “My fall turned a yellow card into a red.”

2002: Argentina 0-1 England (Group Stage, Japan)

This match is known as David Beckham’s redemption. Overcoming the pain of the 1998 red card, England captain Beckham scored the only goal of the match from a penalty after Mauricio Pochettino fouled Michael Owen. This victory was crucial for England. After a goalless draw with Nigeria in the final group match, England advanced to the knockout stage. Argentina, however, was eliminated from the group stage for the first time since 1962 after a 1-1 draw with Sweden. England then defeated Denmark in the round of 16 but was knocked out by Brazil in the quarterfinals, with Ronaldinho’s unforgettable free-kick goal still considered one of the best moments in World Cup history.

Today, 24 years later, Argentina and England face each other again in the World Cup. Regardless of which team wins, this rivalry, filled with pride and emotion, is sure to add another chapter to its storied history.