The World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England is a highly anticipated match filled with history and drama. The two teams have a long and complex rivalry, with past matches marked by controversy and excitement.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Argentina and England dates back to the 1966 World Cup, when England won the tournament. Since then, the two teams have met several times, with Argentina winning some notable matches, including the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, which featured Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal.

Despite the history and emotion surrounding the rivalry, Argentina’s players and coach Lionel Scaloni have sought to downplay the significance of the match, focusing instead on the task at hand: winning the World Cup. “We have to experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and try to arrive in the best possible condition to compete again,” Lionel Messi said.

The Teams

Argentina, the reigning champions, have had a difficult path to the semi-finals, struggling to beat Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. England, on the other hand, has had a similarly challenging journey, surviving with 10 men to beat Mexico and edging Norway in extra time.

Argentina’s hopes rest heavily on Messi, who has scored eight goals in the tournament, while England’s chances are boosted by the emergence of Jude Bellingham as a key player. The 23-year-old midfielder has scored twice against Mexico and twice more against Norway, cementing his status as a crucial player for England.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.