YOU could not have it any better — a rivalry that started on the pitch but transcends it totally.
History and politics are firing the fiercest of battles.
England will reignite their rivalry with Argentina on Wednesday night Credit: Getty
David Beckham scored a winning penalty in 2002 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Unforgettable matches featuring infamy and redemption.
And now, under the domed roof and giant halo screens of the World Cup’s finest arena in Atlanta, a semi-final for the ages.
versus . A peach of a contest in the Big Peach.
Five times they have met at the World Cup, each with a story to tell.
The first was in 1962 in Ranagua, Chile. and Jimmy Greaves were among the scorers as Walter Winterbottom’s side won 3-1 before going out to .
Fast forward to 1966 and the scene was Wembley, a match that still rankles over in Buenos Aires.
Argentina never forgave Alf Ramsey for his “animals” jibe after captain Antonio Rattin — who sadly died this weekend — was sent off and refused to leave the pitch.
Especially as Nobby Stiles was operating as a human threshing machine, either side of Geoff Hurst’s headed winner.
Then the Azteca in 1986, with Argentine passions still boiling over non-football events in the Falklands four years earlier.
The most infamous goal in the history of the World Cup, followed by the greatest: The Hand of God and the Feet of God.
Just ask Terry Butcher about sitting next to as they waited to give their urine samples.
Two decades later, it was St Etienne.
Michael Owen’s wonder goal, — and Danish ref Kim Milton Nielsen — tricked by the chicanery of .
Heroic moments as span his side to keep a threat, Sol Campbell’s disallowed “winner” followed by chaos at the other end — and Kevin Keegan’s misguided penalty prediction.
England’s misery was deepened by the mocking heckles from the Argentine team bus.
And then Sapporo in 2002, Beckham’s chance to banish the ghosts after Owen tumbled in the vicinity of .
Beckham has previously been sent off against Argentina Credit: PA:Press Association
Michael Owen had a good record against Argentina Credit: Getty
No wonder the man who pointed to the spot, Fifa’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina, is such an advocate for .
English hacks who were based in the Argentine team hotel still recall with glee how one of our number ended up boarding the South American bus the following morning, while others lined up to wave them off.
And now, in Atlanta, meeting No 6 and the biggest of the lot — with the prize a chance to play for THE prize.
It is a night for heroes to emerge, villains potentially too.
For England to cast off the shackles of past disappointments, to take the step that leads to the final step.
A stride into legendary status.
Having to do it, too, against the man who, for many, surpassed Maradona as the greatest the game has ever seen.
England cannot let Messi’s aura determine the outcome.
Diego Maradona scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in 1998 Credit: Getty
Geoff Hurst scored the winning goal in the 1966 World Cup clash between the nations Credit: Getty
It is for them, for Jude Bellingham and in particular, to shape events, to dictate the tempo and surpass the holders for desire, determination and intelligence.
For to draw up the masterplan that hides his side’s deficiencies and exposes all of Argentina’s.
It is nights like these, games like this, that define a manager and his team.
The opportunity for this group of England players to surpass every achievement since the boys of ’66.
Indeed, if they can complete the mission over the next six days, that would be the greatest of all British sporting triumphs — there is no home advantage this time round.
The moment of destiny is nigh. Grasp it and you will never be forgotten.
GIANNI’S 64-TEAM MADNESS
Gianni Infantino wants to expand the World Cup even further Credit: Getty
GIANNI INFANTINO is ready to go to 64 teams for the 2030 World Cup.
His argument points to the efforts of and , of nine out of ten African sides making the knockouts, that football is a global sport, not just about Europe and South America.
All that is true and this World Cup HAS been a carnival. But the quality gap is there and expanding further will render qualification even more of a joke.
Adding 16 extra places will mean at least three more from Europe — did we really need to see the Czechs, Turkey and, dare I say it, cross the Atlantic to offer nothing other than their fans?
Even if it might get once-mighty Italy back on the big stage.
It will also add up to another two from South America, spots for eight out of just ten nations — far harder NOT to qualify.
And while the minnows contributed, it will mean more attack against low-block defence games, with sides playing for a goalless draw unless they somehow nicked one on the counter.
Sorry Gianni, but you can have too much of a good thing.
SPIDER WEBS
Orjan Nyland’s goalkick led to England’s equaliser against Norway Credit: EPA
JUST when you think you’ve seen everything, it was Spidercam-gate in Miami.
Whether Orjan Nyland’s goal-kick struck the cable or not, before falling for in the build-up to Jude Bellingham’s equaliser for England, is merely a part of football history.
boss Stale Solbakken’s refusal to scream and shout about the ill-fortune, was a testament to his magnanimity in defeat.
The Viking longship has sailed away with the hearts of fans around the globe.
EUR TIME TO PARTY
Scotland were dumped out in the group stages Credit: Alamy
THE World Cup has packed up and moved on from most of the places that have played host.
In Boston, they are still mourning Scotland’s early exit — they will never have bar takings like that again.
When I was in Philadelphia, locals spoke about it being the best thing that had happened to the city in their lifetimes.
Toronto loved it too, a cavalcade of colour.
In two years’ time, we get the chance to enjoy something similar in the British Isles. Let’s make Euro 2028 the mother of all parties.
BOLD BAZ GOES OUT ON A LAMB
Brendon McCullum has left his role as Test coach for England Credit: Getty
SO farewell Baz. And farewell Bazball.
In the end, it was untenable for Brendon McCullum to stay on as England Test coach.
Too many mishaps and distractions, too little discipline, one stag party too many.
And a seeming inability to play the pitch and the conditions, let alone the other team. But we should never forget those moments of unmitigated joy, too.
smashing the first ball of the Ashes at Edgbaston to the boundary rope, Jonny Bairstow and in full cry, Jimmy Anderson and with licence to thrill with the ball.
Fitting for a New Zealander that he was always going to be hanged as a sheep, rather than a lamb.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
