Eternal Rivals Set for Showdown Tomorrow; Fans Already at War

[Anchor]

Argentina and England are set to face off tomorrow (July 16) for the final remaining spot in the finals. The two nations are famous for being bitter rivals both on and off the pitch, and this time, the intensity among fans has escalated to the point where the teams themselves have had to step in to calm things down. Even superstitions surrounding the color of Argentina's uniforms are being discussed, adding to the anticipation before the match even begins.

Reporter Pyeon Gwanghyeon has the story.

[Reporter]

Argentina, traditionally famous for its sky-blue striped jerseys, has historically been particularly strong against England when wearing its navy away kits.

When Diego Maradona became a legend in the 1986 Mexico tournament quarterfinals—scoring one goal with the so-called Hand of God and another with a spectacular dribble—he was wearing the navy uniform.

For the Argentine people, who were scarred by their defeat in the Falklands War, it was a thrilling act of revenge.

Twelve years later, when they knocked England out in the Round of 16, Argentina was again wearing the navy uniform.

Argentine fans believe that the players, having chosen the navy uniform once again instead of the sky-blue stripes, will achieve a historic victory.

[For Malvinas (Falklands) and Maradona, and for Messi's final run, Argentina, please win back-to-back titles.]

However, as tensions between the fans of the two countries have recently intensified, leading to brawls in various places, the Argentine Veterans Association has taken the lead in trying to de-escalate the situation, and manager Lionel Scaloni has also called for restraint.

[Lionel Scaloni / Argentina National Football Team Manager: It is natural to remember those who went to the Falklands and those who sacrificed for their country. But what fault do those living in the present have? This is just football. Please.]

Harry Kane, the England captain who is competing with Messi for the top scorer title, also agreed that the focus should be on the match.

[Harry Kane / England National Football Team Captain: It is just a head-to-head match between two of the world's strongest football nations in a World Cup semifinal. Things outside of football are not that important.]

With the football war between two countries that once clashed in an actual war approaching, the atmosphere on the pitch is once again thick with tension.

(Video Editing: Hwang Ji-young | Design: Han Song-yeon | Video Source: Instagram 'afa seleccionen', Facebook 'Football Insider', Canal America Tucuman)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.