'Robbery of the Century' to 'Hand of God' – history of past England v Argentina games in World Cup
With England and Argentina meeting Wednesday in the World Cup semi-final, PA take a look at past meetings.
Arguably the two most memorable moments in clashes between the two countries came within four minutes of each other in a World Cup quarter-final in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City courtesy of Diego Maradona. The first ‘Hand of God’ incident remains indelible etched in the minds of all who witnessed it; the diminutive midfielder outjumping goalkeeper Peter Shilton with the aid of a raised arm to knock the ball into the net. His second, subsequently called ‘Goal of the Century’ by FIFA, saw the Maradona collect the ball inside his own half before weaving his way to goal with 11 touches in 11 seconds past helpless England players.
England 2 Argentina 2 (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties), 2002
Another game packed full of incident, a high point for a teenage Michael Owen and a low one for a petulant David Beckham in the last 16. Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer had traded penalties in the first 10 minutes – England’s won by the pace of Owen drawing a foul from Nelson Vivas before the 18-year-old Liverpool striker scored a brilliant solo goal of his own. Javier Zanetti levelled things up before half-time only for Beckham, two minutes after the interval, being sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone while laid on the ground. Glenn Hoddle’s side held out for penalties, only for goalkeeper Carlos Roa to save David Batty’s must-score fifth spot-kick.
England 1 Argentina 0, 2002
Michael Owen had earlier hit a post then was brought down by Mauricio Pochettino a minute before half-time. David Beckham, now England captain, stepped forward to blast home, prompting a kiss of the shirt and an outpouring of emotion.
England 1 Argentina 0, 1966
The quarter-final is known in Argentina as ‘The robbery of the century’. When Antonio Rattin was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 33rd minute for verbally abusing referee Rudolf Kreitlein it all kicked off. The Argentina captain refused to leave the pitch and there was an eight-minute delay before the match restarted with coaching staff still remonstrating with officials. The game was settled by a Geoff Hurst header from a Martin Peters cross but, at the final whistle, the Argentinians surrounded the referee who had to be escorted off by police. England manager Sir Alf Ramsey described the Argentinians as “animals”.
England 3 Argentina 1, 1962
In a group game in Chile, England comfortably defeated their South American opponents who, as one report described, employed a “ruthless, massed defensive formation”. Ron Flowers scored an early penalty and Bobby Charlton scored from 20 yards. Jimmy Greaves poached a third before Jose Sanfilippo, surrounded by four defenders, poked home a consolation.