Old rivals, new battle: Argentina and England clash in World Cup Semifinal

Old rivals, new battle: Argentina and England clash in World Cup Semifinal captures how today’s semifinal in Atlanta revives a rivalry loaded with sport and politics. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champion, meets England in a matchup steeped in historical grievance tied to the Falklands/Malvinas conflict. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to treat it “as a football game, period,” while spectators in Buenos Aires watched a documentary about the 1986 quarter-final, when Diego Maradona helped Argentina beat England with the “Hand of God” and the goal of the century. Argentine media also reported U.S. officials have labeled the match “high risk,” banning stadium displays referencing Malvinas. The 1982 war ended with Argentina’s surrender, after deaths including 649 Argentines and 255 Britons.