Hand of God', Rattin and Beckham see red: Witnesses relive England Argentina World Cup rivalry

“Hand of God,” Rattin and Beckham see red” spotlight the moments that turned England-Argentina World Cup clashes into enduring political and cultural history. Ahead of their Wednesday semi-final, Reuters spoke with witnesses who were present for three defining incidents spanning 1966, 1986 and 1998. In 1966 at Wembley, Argentine midfielder Antonio Rattin was sent off in a tense first half after refusing to leave the pitch, as described by Rex Gowar, an Argentine-born supporter studying in England. Geoff Hurst scored as England won 1-0 and the tournament. In 1986, Gary Hershorn recalled covering the Azteca Stadium quarter-final when Diego Maradona scored twice, including the “Hand of God” goal, an event Hershorn said he missed in real time. In 1998, the rivalry’s anger returned with David Beckham’s red card.