Argentina is set to compete in the FIFA World Cup semifinal against England, with coach Lionel Scaloni expressing contentment with his team’s journey to this stage. The match, scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta, marks a renewal of a historic rivalry between the two nations.
Scaloni noted that despite the demanding path through the knockout rounds, his team is in good form and eager for the semifinal. He emphasized his gratitude to the players for reaching this point, stating that he would have accepted a semifinal appearance if offered a month and a half prior, regardless of how they arrived.
The defending World Cup champions have faced challenging encounters, including a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, a 3-2 comeback win against Egypt, and a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Switzerland, who played with 10 men. Scaloni dismissed concerns about player fatigue, asserting that reaching a World Cup semifinal is a significant achievement.
Historical Rivalry and Modern Matchup
The upcoming semifinal evokes memories of past encounters, particularly the 1986 quarterfinal where Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and a remarkable individual effort against England. Scaloni acknowledged the enduring impact of Maradona’s second goal, describing it as a beautiful moment that remains in the hearts of football enthusiasts.
The rivalry between Argentina and England extends beyond the pitch, with historical tensions including the 1982 conflict over the Falkland Islands. Scaloni has sought to keep politics separate from the current football match, referring to the past as a sad time in history and emphasizing that the upcoming game is purely a football contest.
The influence of English culture on Argentinian football is notable, with club names like Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate, and Arsenal reflecting this connection. Terms such as “crack” for a star player and “orsai” for offside also have English origins. Despite these historical ties, a distinct Argentinian style of play emerged, moving away from the English long-pass game towards dribbling.
The rivalry has been characterized by a complex mix of fascination and antagonism. Instances such as the display of English flags by Godoy Cruz fans in Argentina, reportedly acquired from the 2014 World Cup, highlight the deep-seated nature of this competitive spirit. The two nations have not met in competitive play since 2002.
Key Players and Tactical Considerations
The semifinal match is anticipated to feature a compelling individual battle between Argentina‘s Lionel Messi and England‘s Jude Bellingham. Messi, at 39, continues to be a pivotal player for Argentina, having scored eight goals in the tournament and leading his team through difficult moments.
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Messi‘s performance, noting his incredible campaign and the responsibility he carries for his team. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford expressed anticipation for facing Messi for the first time in his career.
Bellingham, 23, is a key figure for England, having scored six goals in the tournament, including two in each of the last two rounds. Tuchel described Bellingham as a world-class player, highlighting his significant contributions alongside captain Harry Kane, who also has six goals.
Both teams are focused on neutralizing the opposing star players. Tuchel has considered man-marking Messi, acknowledging his ability to find new patterns of play even when others are closed down. Scaloni, in turn, is preparing to counter the combined threat of Bellingham and Kane, stating that Argentina will use its own strengths to prevent them from performing well. The match is set to take place on Wednesday.
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Source: aljazeera.com
