From the controversial “Hand of God” goal by Diego Maradona in 1986 to David Beckham being red-carded for kicking Diego Simeone in 1998, sporting contests between England and Argentina are often theatrical, tense and tricky.
Divided by geography and conflict, England and Argentina are vastly different in many ways, yet at this World Cup, they have at least one thing in common – both have made a habit of surviving on the edge.
England have lost the past two European Championship finals but, under the roof of the futuristic Atlanta Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel and his players have the chance to write themselves into legend by reaching the country’s first men’s World Cup final in 60 years.
England topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana. They needed a second-half comeback to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32 and knocked out cohost mexico 3:2 in a scintillating last-16 contest at the iconic Azteca Stadium. In the quarterfinals, they came from a goal down to beat Norway 2:1 in extra time.
Argentina had a strong showing in the first round, topping Group J by beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan. In the round of 32, they were pushed to their limits before squeezing past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, and came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3:2 in a controversial last-16 contest which drew allegations of officiating bias. Against Switzerland in the quarterfinals, they again played a full 120 minutes before securing a 3-1 win.
Today’s match is England’s latest chance to finally reach another global showpiece – a barrier that has proved insurmountable since Sir Alf Ramsey’s side lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966.
