Atlanta’s World Cup semifinal the next chapter in one of soccer’s most storied rivalries
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina won’t just be a match for a spot in the final. It will be the latest chapter in one of soccer’s most storied rivalries.
Argentina and England have played 14 official matches over the past 75 years, not including Wednesday’s semifinal, and the rivalry’s history includes some of soccer’s most unforgettable moments.
The beginning
The teams first played in 1951, when Argentina became the first international side other than Scotland to face England at Wembley Stadium. England won that match 2-1 thanks to goals by forwards Stan Mortensen and Jackie Milburn.
Argentina would get its revenge during a pair of friendlies in Buenos Aires in 1953. Argentina won the first match 3-1 thanks to a strike from midfielder Ernesto Grillo (pictured above). That match is not considered an official friendly by FIFA.
The second match ended in a draw after being abandoned.
“The Robbery of the Century” and the match that changed the sport
The rivalry between the Three Lions and La Albiceleste truly began on July 23, 1966, during a heated World Cup quarterfinal.
Argentine captain Antonio Rattín received a warning after lunging at English midfielder Bobby Charlton and was sent off in the 33rd minute after arguing with German referee Rudolf Kreitlein.
Rattín and the Argentines disagreed with the decision. Rattín refused to leave the pitch for nine minutes, with the rest of the team threatening to quit.
The match remained scoreless until the 78th minute when forward Geoff Hurst scored the eventual winner. The Argentines insisted the goal was offside.
England went on to win the tournament on home soil.
The match became known as the “Robbery of the Century” in Argentina, and England manager Alf Ramsey later referred to the Argentine roster as “animals.”
It is also the match credited with spurring the creation of yellow cards and red cards. Kreitlein, the referee, did not know Spanish, and the breakdown in communication is often blamed for the chaos.
Yellow cards and red cards were then created for ease of communication. They were first used at the 1970 World Cup.
“The Hand of God”
Twenty years later, Argentina was the beneficiary of an even more controversial call.
In the 51st minute of the quarterfinal matchup between Argentina and England, Argentine legend Diego Maradona contested the ball with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona illegally punched the ball into the net with his fist, the first of two goals that sent Argentina into the semifinals. They would eventually win the tournament.
After the match, Maradona said the goal had been scored with “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God,” giving the goal its infamous title.
The 2026 World Cup semifinal will take place a little more than two weeks after the goal’s 40th anniversary.
“10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy”
The 1998 World Cup was English superstar David Beckham’s first, but it ended in inglorious fashion in the round of 16 against Argentina.
Beckham was fouled by Argentine midfielder Diego Simeone in the 47th minute. Simeone then rubbed his knuckles on Beckham’s head, which prompted Beckham to swing his leg at Simeone.
Beckham was sent off, and England lost the match on penalties.
The then 23-year-old was torn apart in the English press, with The Daily Mirror running the headline “10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy.”
Beckham’s teammates defended him, with striker Teddy Sheringham later saying in an interview, “It was a bit of play acting by Simeone that got him sent off because you can’t hurt someone when you’re lying down on the floor and flicking your leg at them.”
Beckham’s redemption
Beckham would get his opportunity to redeem himself four years later in the group stage.
Future U.S. Men’s National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino fouled England forward Michael Owen in the 44th minute.
England was awarded a penalty. Beckham stepped up to the spot and pushed the kick past goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero, scoring the match’s only goal and helping send Argentina packing.
The next chapter: The best in the world
Both Argentina and England will return to Atlanta to write the next chapter in the rivalry. Two of the world’s best players, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, will face off in the race for the Golden Boot and a shot at soccer’s biggest prize.
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