England and Argentina will renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries on Wednesday when they clash in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final, 40 years after Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” performance rewrote football history and left England heartbroken.
The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta revives memories of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City, where Maradona inspired Argentina to a controversial 2-1 victory with two of the most iconic goals ever witnessed at a World Cup.
His first, punched into the net and later immortalised as the “Hand of God”, remains one of football’s most debated moments, while his breathtaking solo run moments later is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament.
This time, Argentina will once again look to their talisman, Lionel Messi, as the defending champions chase history by becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
Standing in their way is an England side desperate to end six decades of major tournament heartbreak.
Inspired by Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, the Three Lions know victory would move them within touching distance of a first World Cup triumph since 1966.
The winners will face either France or Spain, who meet in the other semi-final in Texas on Tuesday, in Sunday’s final on July 19.
Argentina booked their place in the last four after overcoming a stubborn Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City. Extra-time strikes from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez finally broke Swiss resistance after the teams had been locked together at the end of normal time.
With political tensions surrounding the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, likely to resurface ahead of the encounter, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sought to keep the focus firmly on football.
“This is a football game,” Scaloni said after the victory over Switzerland.
“We’re playing against a very strong opponent with an excellent coach. That’s all it is.”
England, meanwhile, advanced after surviving a stern examination from Norway in the searing heat of Miami.
Thomas Tuchel’s men required extra time to secure a tense 2-1 victory, with Bellingham scoring twice to send England into only their fourth World Cup semi-final.
Norway had stunned England when Andreas Schjelderup fired them ahead before half-time, but Bellingham restored parity in stoppage time after a controversial build-up in which Norway claimed goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland’s goal kick had struck an overhead camera cable.
The Norwegians’ protests were waved away, and after also seeing another goal ruled out, they were ultimately punished when Bellingham struck again in extra time to seal England’s passage.
Despite the victory, Tuchel admitted his side must raise their level significantly if they are to overcome the reigning champions.
Now, four decades after Maradona’s “Hand of God” altered the course of football history, England have another opportunity to settle old scores against Argentina, this time with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
