​Kempes and Older Generation Still Recall the Falklands War, Scaloni Plays Down Off-Field Tensions

July 15 – German outlet Sport Bild reports ahead of the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England in Atlanta.

The players were singing again – at least on the way to the stadium in Atlanta, where a crucial semi-final against England awaits. This is a match against one of their main rivals – a rival that also appears indirectly in the fans' chants, with one lyric referencing revenge for the loss of the Falklands War.

After Argentina occupied the islands on April 2, 1982, Britain sent a naval task force and regained control on June 14 that year, forcing Argentine forces to surrender.

"When playing England on the football pitch, the military conflict still carries special weight for many of us Argentines," said Mario Kempes (72), who led the South American side to their first World Cup title in 1978.

Eight years later, Diego Maradona (died 2020) led Argentina to a second World Cup win. That triumph in Mexico was partly aided by a controversial handball against England in the quarter-final (a 2-1 win) – a goal that went down in World Cup history as the "Hand of God."

"It felt like we had beaten an entire country, not just a football team," the late legend admitted years later.

A clash between three-time world champions and England: this is the most politically charged and conflict-prone match of the tournament.

Security is on high alert, as there will be no separate sections for fans inside the Atlanta stadium, raising fears of unrest.

Argentina's current head coach, Lionel Scaloni (48) – who led the "Albiceleste" to their third World Cup in 2022 – has refused to engage in talk of war or hatred.

Ahead of the crucial tie, he said: "What I would say to England is this: it's just a football match, and we shouldn't give it any other meaning. They have an excellent coach in Thomas Tuchel, whom I respect and admire. But I'll repeat: it's just a football match."

It's a game Argentina are determined to win – a crucial step in their quest for a fourth star.

Source: Sport Bild