Inside England vs Argentina as greatest safety ever deployed for the ‘fieriest match’ but
England are through to the Semi Finals of the World Cup, but have been handed the one tie organisers wanted to avoid – against Argentina.
Hostile histories between the nations, combined with “the most passionate fans in the world” meant that England, Argentina is the one tie FIFA had hoped to avoid, say security experts. But now the nations will meet in the biggest game between them in decades and it is set to be a fiery affair. As a result, experts say fans over in the US can expect heightened security, plus a range of other measures put in place for the game, set to take place on Wednesday July 15 in an 8pm kick off UK time in Atlanta.
“The fans have been here before,” the high level insider said. “This is the venue where they played Congo earlier in the competition, and everything went fine. In fact the tournament so far has passed without a glitch.
“So much work has gone on to keeping everyone safe and it is this that has been a highlight of the tournament, seeing people from all different nations having no issues with each other, getting along, just enjoying football for what it is.
“But make no mistake, no risks will be taken, and the big bosses know this is likely to be the fieriest game of the World Cup so far.”
As a result, he warns, there is likely to be extra measures put in place to ensure it runs smoothly.
“It is likely, we hope, that no one will even notice the extra measures,” he continued. “We are talking undercover officers in and around the ground, watchers keeping an eye on surveillance from afar – the numbers will be increased.
“Plus additional security going into airports around the stadium and even going into the ground itself.
“Fan zones will be kept completely separate and we will ensure everyone is behaving. There will be a one strike and your out policy. No risks will be taken so fans should be aware things may take longer on Wednesday.”
Argentina booked their spot in the semis after seeing off Switzerland 3-1 after the Three Lions progressed after beating Norway 2-1 after extra time.
England and Argentina have met five times before at the World Cup, with England holding a better head-to-head record against their foes, with victories in 1962, 1966 and 2002.
But the meets have not been without drama.
Argentina won in controversial fashion at the Estadio Azteca in 1986 en route to lifting the World Cup before knocking England out in the 1998 last-16 stage on penalties.
The fierce rivalry has produced some high drama down the years – and even landed the nickname of ‘Animals’ for the Argentines, even giving us one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history with Maradona’s Hand of God moment.
The score was still 0-0 early in the second half whenMaradona jumped up to contest a loose ball before raising his left arm to punch the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into an empty net in 1986. The referee did not spot the illegal act and awarded the goal. Argentina went on to win the game 2-1, and eventually lifted the World Cup by beating West Germany in the final.
In 1998 it was also a fiery affair which saw David Beckham sent off for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone when on the floor. He hit headlines for the act when the Three Lions lost out on penalties.
