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

As England and Argentina prepare to meet in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, Reuters revisited eyewitness accounts of the rivalry’s most enduring incidents across decades. The report highlights three defining moments: Antonio Rattin’s refusal to leave the pitch in 1966, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986, and David Beckham’s red card in 1998. In 1966, Argentine-born Rex Gowar described Rattin being sent off during the first half and remaining on the field while the match was delayed. He also recalled England manager Alf Ramsey confronting the atmosphere after the 1-0 win by Geoff Hurst that helped England win the tournament. In 1986, photographer Gary Hershorn and Gowar discussed the geopolitical context after the Falklands War and how many, they said, did not notice Maradona’s hand incident in real time. The semi-final matchup renews a rivalry that has echoed beyond football.