Argentina's coaching staff carries painful memories of past World Cup defeats to England as the two nations prepare to clash in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winner advances to face Spain in the final.
Historical rivalries and past encounters
The rivalry dates back to the 1962 World Cup in Chile, where England won. England also triumphed in 1966, but Argentina claimed victory in the infamous "Hand of God" match in 1986 and the dramatic last-16 meeting in 1998. In 2002, England won 1-0 in Sapporo, eliminating Argentina in the group stage.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has three assistants who were part of that 2002 defeat: Walter Samuel (starter at centre-back), Pablo Aimar (substitute for Juan Sebastian Veron at half-time), and Roberto Ayala (injured, did not play). Ayala did play in the 1998 match, scoring a penalty in the shootout. Samuel and Ayala also featured in the last meeting between the teams, a 3-2 England win in a 2005 friendly in Switzerland.
Scaloni downplays revenge narrative
Scaloni, who earned seven caps for Argentina between 2003 and 2006, has dismissed talk of revenge. "It's just a football match; let's not make it something else," he said. "We're playing a great team, led by a great coach who I appreciate and admire a lot. It's just a football match, nothing else."
His comments contrast with Argentina's Vice President, who called the English 'usurping pirates' in a social media post, and Diego Maradona Jr., who insisted the match carries deeper significance. "My dad wouldn't see it as a normal game, just another game," Maradona Jr. told Marca. "For all Argentines and Maradona fans, it will be a special occasion. It's one that brings to mind everything about the Falklands and all our brothers who died there, and then what happened to my dad in '86."
What's at stake
England, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, have impressed in the tournament, while Argentina are the defending world champions. The match promises to be a tense affair, with both teams vying for a spot in the final.
