The painting has a very deep meaning. Their World Cup run began in 1962 but took off four years later when England defeated Argentina 1-0 in a fiery quarter-final en route to their only World Cup title. The match was remembered for the sending off of Argentina captain Antonio Rattin.
Perhaps the defining chapter of the tournament came in 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory with two memorable goals. His famous “Hand of God” strike remains one of football’s most controversial moments, while his solo effort is regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup. The teams met again in 1998, when David Beckham’s red card proved its cost in England’s penalty shoot-out defeat, before Beckham found redemption by converting the winning penalty in England’s 1-0 victory four years later.
England manager Thomas Tuchel wants his team to focus on the situation despite the game’s history, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Maradona’s stunning goal, describing it as a moment loved by footballers around the world.
Both teams have won a topsy-turvy tournament to reach the semifinals. Argentina survived difficult games against Cape Verde and Egypt before defeating Switzerland after extra time, while England also battled Congo and Norway before beating hosts Mexico despite playing a dominant role with 10 men.
The tournament also has two generations of attacking tactics. Lionel Messi continues to lead Argentina with eight goals and key assists, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead the way for England, with Bellingham entering the semifinals having scored twice in his last two games.
