Blood, Revenge and the ‘Hand of God’: The Untold Story Behind England vs Argentina’s World Cup War
The rivalry featured Maradona’s Hand of God, Beckham’s red card and later penalty redemption, plus a 1966 sending-off and shootout drama.
- At the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City, Diego Maradona scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century,' securing a 2-1 victory for Argentina over England.
- Occurring just four years after the 1982 South Atlantic War over the Malvinas, or Falkland Islands, the match held immense symbolic significance in Argentina, intensifying the two nations' rivalry.
- During the 1966 World Cup quarter-final at Wembley, England captain Antonio Rattán took almost 10 minutes to leave the pitch after being sent off, prompting manager Alf Ramsey to brand the Argentine visitors 'animals.'
- In the 1998 Round of 16 in Saint-Étienne, France, England's David Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone; Argentina eliminated England on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with goalkeeper Carlos Roa saving David Batty's spot-kick.
- Four years later at the 2002 World Cup in Sapporo, Japan, Beckham gained a measure of revenge for his dismissal by converting a 44th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 victory for England.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Blood, Revenge and the ‘Hand of God’: The Untold Story Behind England vs Argentina’s World Cup War
Some football matches are simply games. England versus Argentina has never been one of them. When the two nations walk onto the pitch for their 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, they will not just be playing for a place in the final. They will be adding another unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that has defined generations, divided continents, produced football’s greatest heroes and villains, and repeatedly changed the history of the Wo…
England vs Argentina doesn't need to happen often to be football's greatest rivalry
England have only ever played Argentina 14 times in history. It seems inconceivable that with the amount of football played these days that the last time was nearly 21 years ago.It was a friendly, a term used lightly in this fixture, and England won 3-2. When it comes to World Cup matches, every game has been memorable. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say In 1966, England won 1-0 at Wembley with the late, or very late as the case was during this ga…
Rome, 15 lugs World Cup, penultimate act. So, after the first semi-final between France and Spain, forty years after the epic challenge of the Aztec... The article England-Argentina, much more than one game comes from The National Primate.
England vs Argentina: Rivalry and revenge at the FIFA World Cup
The intense Argentina and England football rivalry spans several World Cup matches. Key moments include the 1966 Rattin expulsion and Maradona's 1986 goals. David Beckham faced controversy after a 1998 red card against Argentina. England secured a narrow victory in the 2002 group stage. These encounters highlight enduring historical grievances and national pride.
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