England will face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, renewing a historic and often controversial rivalry that dates back to the early 1960s. Their past encounters have been marked by intense competition and memorable moments, including Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 and David Beckham's red card in 1998.
The two nations first met in the World Cup in 1966, where England won 1-0 in a match marred by Argentina's aggressive tactics. England's Alf Ramsey famously called the Argentine team 'animals' after the game. The 1986 quarter-final saw Maradona's infamous goal, followed by his 'Goal of the Century', leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory.
In 1998, England and Argentina met again in the second round, where Michael Owen scored a stunning goal, but David Beckham was sent off for retaliating against Diego Simeone. The match ended in a penalty shootout, which Argentina won. Four years later, Beckham scored a decisive penalty in a 1-0 victory for England.
This upcoming match at the Estadio Azteca promises to be another chapter in this storied rivalry, with both teams looking to advance to the final. The outcome will not only determine who reaches the next stage but also add another layer to this legendary football rivalry.
