FIFA granted Argentina permission to wear black armbands during their World Cup quarter-final match against Switzerland to honour former captain Antonio Ubaldo Rattin, who died at age 89. The Argentine Football Association requested special authorisation for players and coaching staff to mark the passing of the national icon, who captained his country in the 1962 and 1966 FIFA World Cups.
France's Request Denied
Earlier in the tournament, France made a similar request to wear black armbands in memory of Didier Deschamps' mother, who died during the group stage. Deschamps left the United States and missed France's win over Norway. The French Football Federation announced a minute's silence to commemorate the loss but was forced to reverse the decision after FIFA had already reserved time to pay tribute to victims of the Venezuela earthquake.
France assistant coach Guy Stephan, who took charge against Norway, presented a bouquet of flowers before the match to honour Deschamps' mother. Deschamps later told French media outlet M6: "How am I? I'm doing okay. Obviously I had complicated days where I was devastated. But for my own personal well-being and for the good of the France team, I had to leave. Afterward, they did what was necessary."
Argentina Also Granted Kit Change
Argentina received another approval ahead of their semi-final against England: permission to wear their navy blue away kit instead of the usual white and light blue striped shirt. This means England will play in white as they seek a place in the World Cup final. Argentina previously wore dark blue when Diego Maradona led the nation to victory in the 1986 World Cup, including the "Hand of God" goal, and in a penalty shootout win over England in 1998.
Captain Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in a competitive match. He told ESPN Argentina: "Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too. And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."
