The rivalry between England and Argentina has produced numerous memorable moments in World Cup history, with recent events adding a new chapter even before a match began. Ahead of their semi-final clash in Atlanta, an unexpected encounter occurred on the freeway as both teams made their way to the stadium.
Despite meticulous coordination by FIFA and host cities regarding team movements, the two team buses, complete with police escorts, converged en route to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This led to the Argentina team bus pausing on the freeway to allow the England bus to pass, an incident noted by a pregame broadcast.
Historic Rivalry Moments Recalled
The history between these two footballing nations is marked by several significant incidents that extend beyond the sport itself, becoming part of their political and cultural narratives. These moments include controversial decisions and dramatic player actions.
One such event took place in 1966 during a World Cup quarter-final at London‘s Wembley Stadium. Argentina midfielder Antonio Rattin was sent off in the first half and notably refused to leave the pitch for several minutes. Eyewitness Rex Gowar, who attended the match, recalled the surprise at the incident and the subsequent comments from England manager Alf Ramsey.
Twenty years later, in 1986, the teams met again in a quarter-final at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This match occurred four years after a conflict between Argentina and Britain over the Falklands/Malvinas islands, adding a geopolitical dimension to the game. It was during this match that Diego Maradona scored two quick goals in the second half, one of which became famously known as the “Hand of God.”
Photographer Gary Hershorn, covering his first World Cup, was at the opposite end of the field and did not witness or photograph the controversial goal in real-time. Similarly, Rex Gowar, present as a reporter, also missed the immediate action from the press box. It was only after the game, and through a colleague, that Gowar relayed Maradona‘s now-famous quote about the goal being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” Argentina ultimately won that match 2-1 and went on to win the tournament.
Another pivotal moment occurred in 1998 when the teams clashed in the last 16 in St. Etienne, France. England‘s reserve goalkeeper, Nigel Martyn, was on the bench for this match. The game was tied 2-2 at halftime when David Beckham received a red card shortly after the break for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England subsequently lost the match on penalties, and Beckham faced significant criticism from media and fans.
Martyn described the red card as harsh, believing there was not enough in the incident to warrant such a severe punishment. He also recalled the intense media focus on the rivalry. The teams met again four years later in the 2002 World Cup, where England secured a 1-0 victory with a penalty from Beckham, a result that Martyn felt was a form of revenge.
The recent freeway incident in Atlanta, though minor, highlights the ongoing competitive spirit between the two nations, even before the semi-final match on Wednesday.
Read Also
Source: theglobeandmail.com
