[Photo: SUPPLIED]
Argentina and England will add another chapter to one of football’s fiercest rivalries when they meet in their first-ever FIFA World Cup semi-final on Thursday, with a place in Monday’s final on the line.
The rivalry has produced some of the tournament’s most iconic moments, from Antonio Rattin’s controversial sending-off in 1966 to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” and stunning solo goal in the 1986 quarter-final. Argentina also knocked England out on penalties in 1998 after David Beckham was sent off, while England claimed a 1-0 group-stage win in 2002 through a Beckham penalty.
Despite the history, both camps insist the focus is on football.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says it is “just a soccer match,” while midfielder Rodrigo De Paul admits the fixture brings back memories of Maradona but says the team’s only goal is to win and reach the final.
The rivalry remains one of the World Cup’s biggest attractions, but this time the prize is bigger than ever — a place in the final.
Argentina will take on England at 7am Thursday in the second semi-final.
