Online Reporter
YOU could not have it any better – a rivalry that started on the pitch but transcends it totally.
History and politics are firing the fiercest of battles.
Unforgettable matches featuring infamy and redemption.
And now, under the domed roof and giant halo screens of the World Cup’s finest arena in Atlanta, a semi-final for the ages.
England versus Argentina. A peach of a contest in the Big Peach.
Five times they have met at the World Cup, each with a story to tell.
The first was in 1962 in Ranagua, Chile. Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves were among the scorers as Walter Winterbottom’s side won 3-1 before going out to Brazil.
Fast forward to 1966 and the scene was Wembley, a match that still rankles over in Buenos Aires.
Argentina never forgave Alf Ramsey for his “animals” jibe after captain Antonio Rattin – who sadly died this weekend – was sent off and refused to leave the pitch.
Especially as Nobby Stiles was operating as a human threshing machine, either side of Geoff Hurst’s headed winner.
Then the Azteca in 1986, with Argentine passions still boiling over non-football events in the Falklands four years earlier.
The most infamous goal in the history of the World Cup, followed by the greatest: The Hand of God and the Feet of God.
Just ask Terry Butcher about sitting next to Diego Maradona as they waited to give their urine samples.
Two decades later, it was St Etienne.
Michael Owen’s wonder goal, David Beckham – and Danish ref Kim Milton Nielsen – tricked by the chicanery of Diego Simeone.
Heroic moments as Glenn Hoddle span his side to keep a threat, Sol Campbell’s disallowed “winner” followed by chaos at the other end – and Kevin Keegan’s misguided penalty prediction.
England’s misery was deepened by the mocking heckles from the Argentine team bus.
And then Sapporo in 2002, Beckham’s chance to banish the ghosts after Owen tumbled in the vicinity of Mauricio Pochettino.
No wonder the man who pointed to the spot, Fifa’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina, is such an advocate for VAR.
English hacks who were based in the Argentine team hotel still recall with glee how one of our number ended up boarding the South American bus the following morning, while others lined up to wave them off.
And now, in Atlanta, meeting No 6 and the biggest of the lot – with the prize a chance to play for THE prize.
It is a night for heroes to emerge, villains potentially too.
For England to cast off the shackles of past disappointments, to take the step that leads to the final step.
A stride into legendary status.
Having to do it, too, against the man who, for many, surpassed Maradona as the greatest the game has ever seen.
England cannot let Messi’s aura determine the outcome.
It is for them, for Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in particular, to shape events, to dictate the tempo and surpass the holders for desire, determination and intelligence.
For Thomas Tuchel to draw up the masterplan that hides his side’s deficiencies and exposes all of Argentina’s.
It is nights like these, games like this, that define a manager and his team.
The opportunity for this group of England players to surpass every achievement since the boys of ’66.
Indeed, if they can complete the mission over the next six days, that would be the greatest of all British sporting triumphs – there is no home advantage this time round – Sun.
