Despite coaches’ attempts to downplay the fierce rivalry between Argentina and England, Albiceleste’s players celebrated their quarter-final win over Switzerland with traditional anti-England chants, as well as new ones promising “a last victory for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo”.“WC 1962: Group Stage – ENG 3 ARG 1Biggest win in competition: The first meeting between Argentina and England was at fifa world cup At the 1962 World Cup in Chile, England won 3-1 in the group stage and Argentina was eliminated. The result remains England’s biggest victory over Argentina in World Cup history and the joint biggest win between the two sides in any meeting, second only to a 3-1 friendly win at Wembley in 1980.WC 1966: QF – ENG 1 ARG 0The day Lattin was sent off: The two met in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1966, when England was the host nation. Antonio Latina, Argentina’s captain at the time, was ejected from the pitch. As he left, he grabbed a corner flag emblazoned with the Union Jack and sat on the red carpet for Queen Elizabeth, refusing to walk away. He later said British fans threw beer cans at him. The atmosphere on the field was very intense throughout the game. In the end, England won 1-0 and became the ultimate World Cup champion. England manager Alf Ramsey later famously referred to Argentinian players as “animals”. It was an insult Argentina will never forget. The recent death of Antonio Lartín has reignited historical grudges.WC 1986: QF – ARG 2 ENG 1The hand of God, and the purpose of beauty: Twenty years later, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the two teams met again in the World Cup. The match took place just four years after the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War and was fueled by high political tensions. Maradona struck the ball past English goalkeeper Peter Shilton with his hand to score the infamous “Hand of God” goal – an infraction that went unnoticed by officials. Minutes later, Maradona scored his legendary second goal after a remarkable labyrinthine run, carrying the ball through England’s half. For Maradona and many Argentines, this was not cheating. It’s a victory of the underdog over the elite. Maradona later admitted in his autobiography that the victory felt like direct revenge for the Argentine soldiers killed in the war. 1998 World Cup: Round of 16 – ENG 2 ARG 2 (Argentina won on penalties)Beckham was blamed for: Another infamous send-off occurred in the Round of 16. David Beckham performed well in his first World Cup but was sacked for kicking Diego Simeone. England drew 2-2 with 10 men but lost on penalties without Paul Ince and David Batty. The game will also be remembered for teenager Michael Owen’s superb goal, but Beckham was made the scapegoat for England’s defeat.WC 2002: Group Stage – ENG 1 ARG 0Redemption Song: Four years later, Beckham has found some redemption. Beckham scored from the penalty spot – the only goal of the game – after Michael Owen was tripped by future Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
