The Argentine Football Association has designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day, commemorating the country's World Cup semi-final victory over England earlier this summer. The contentious banner displayed after the match, asserting Argentina's claim to the Falklands, will be presented to Argentine veterans of the conflict.
Victory and Aftermath
On July 15, in Atlanta, Lionel Scaloni's side defeated England 2-1, scoring twice late on to end England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
At a meeting of the Association and Professional League Executive Committee on Wednesday, chaired by AFA president Claudio Tapia, the organisation resolved to mark the occasion. A statement read: "The tribute is not solely for that milestone achieved by the senior national team. The recognition is, of course, also for each and every one of the national teams - youth, men's and women's - that train day in and day out at the Lionel Andres Messi complex with the hope, joy, and responsibility of defending the national colours."
The decision came as defeating the Three Lions "set the whole country alight, with people flooding the streets in pure celebration," according to the statement.
FIFA Proceedings and Banner
Argentina's conduct after the final whistle prompted FIFA to launch disciplinary proceedings after players displayed a banner declaring: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," translating to "The Malvinas are Argentine." FIFA cited violations including discriminatory chants, misconduct, security and protocol breaches, and presenting inappropriate messages.
The Falklands, a British Overseas Territory in the south-west Atlantic, remain the focus of a territorial dispute between the two countries. In 1982, Argentina invaded the islands, triggering a war that lasted 74 days and resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, as well as three island residents.
The banner, made from a bed sheet with black painted lettering, was handed to former Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, Tottenham defender Cuti Romero, and ex-Spurs player Giovanni Lo Celso, though the vast majority of the squad assembled behind it. Its makers are believed to be members of a collective from Villa Luro, a district of Buenos Aires, who reportedly smuggled it into the stadium by hiding it in their underwear.
Legacy and Handover
The homemade flag has since sparked replicas in stadiums throughout Argentine football, with some clubs, including Ferro Carril Oeste, embracing the typeface. The banner is in "good hands" after being retained by Patricio Auber, who travelled with the team delegation to the World Cup. It is now believed to be in the country and will shortly be passed on to Argentines who served in the Falklands conflict.
