On Wednesday night (July 15, 10:00 p.m.), at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, two of the world’s greatest soccer powers will face off for the second spot in the World Cup final, with England taking on Argentina.
From the legendary 1986 quarterfinal featuring the “Hand of God” and Diego Maradona’s “goal of the century,” to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and England’s rematch in 2002, every match between the two national teams is marked by immense tension and countless stories.
Forty years after the night that forever defined this rivalry, the two teams find themselves facing off once again in a World Cup knockout match, with a spot in the final at stake this time.
The “Three Lions’” path to the semifinals was not easy, but it proved they have the character of a championship team.
In the quarterfinal against Norway, they found themselves trailing, but they turned the game around, led by Jude Bellingham, who continues to have an amazing tournament and is the undisputed leader of Thomas Tuchel’s team, with captain Harry Kane by his side.
On the other hand, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina continues its title defense, having once again shown that it has what it takes to be a top-tier team, with three very difficult knockout-round victories.
In the quarterfinal against Switzerland, they needed extra time to overcome an extremely tough opponent. Lionel Messi failed to find the back of the net, as the “Albiceleste” forwards made their mark for the first time in the tournament. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning goal in the 112th minute, before Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory.
Probable starting lineups:
England (Thomas Tuchel): Pickford, Konsa, Stones, Gay, Spence, Rice, Anderson, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.
Argentina (Lionel Scaloni): Martínez, Molina, Romero, Martínez, Tagliafico, Paredes, McAllister, Fernández, De Paul, Messi, Álvarez.
*photo source: fifa.com
