Argentina's special request to wear their dark blue kit against England in the World Cup semi-final was granted by FIFA, and the superstition paid off as they defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in Atlanta.
The reigning world champions considered the dark blue strip lucky, having worn it in previous World Cup victories over England in 1986 and 1998. In contrast, they lost to England in 1966 and 2002 while wearing their traditional light blue and white kit.
Match Details and Superstition
Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up just before the hour mark, but Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored two late goals to send England home. Argentina's dark blue kit had only been worn once before at the tournament, in a group-stage win over Jordan.
According to Argentinian outlet TN, the team specifically requested the darker blue kit for the semi-final, and their wish was granted, much to the joy of fans back in South America. England wore their all-white first-choice kit, which had been used in previous knockout wins against DR Congo and Norway.
England's Tactics Questioned
England manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his team's passive approach after taking the lead, seemingly dropping back to defend their advantage. Asked if he got the tactics wrong, Tuchel said: "No, I believe that's just the nature of the game. As soon as you lose, you get criticised. No one knows what would have happened if we made different decisions. So, it makes no sense to engage in that and lose my head. I'm responsible for them, I took them, so I take the criticism. That's just the way it is."
Tuchel added: "First of all, the World Cup is not over. There is still a match to play that we are not looking forward so much to, but there is still a match to play. Then we keep on going. I have a contract until the home Euros, and I'm looking forward to that, even now [when] it is difficult to look that far ahead."
Historical Context
The two nations have a long World Cup history. Argentina eliminated England in 1986 and 1998 wearing dark blue, while England won in 1966 and 2002 when Argentina wore light blue. This latest result continues the pattern, with Argentina's superstitions proving true.
