Argentina imbued with the spirit of Maradona as England clash nears
· Yahoo Sports
Argentina will draw inspiration from the peerless Diego Maradona as a new generation of stars attempt to get the better of England once again.
Many English fans remember the 1986 quarter-final clash between the two nations for the injustice of Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal rather than the brilliance of his stunning solo effort which followed it in a 2-1 defeat for Sir Bobby Robson’s side Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
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Forty years on, England and Argentina will go head-to-head in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday evening with the South Americans who include current superstar Lionel Messi among their ranks, drawing on the spirit of arguably their most famous son.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister told reporters: “Trying to do what Diego did is impossible. Maybe only Leo can do that.
“Different clips have been circulating on social media recently, especially over the last few days. They help because they remind us of what Diego meant.
“Diego is a symbol for our country, and hopefully we can achieve something like what that team did in 1986.”
Argentina went on to lift the trophy for the second time time in 1986 having first won in it 1978, and they are the current holders as they seek a fourth crown.
However, while Mac Allister admits winning a semi-final four years ago provides he and his team-mates with invaluable experience, he knows it will ultimately count for little if they do not perform at their best against a stubborn England side.
Asked about Thomas Tuchel’s men, he said: “They have top-quality players who compete for major clubs and have been in games like this before.
“Having played in a World Cup semi-final before is an advantage, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”
Team-mate Gonzalo Montiel, like Mac Allister a veteran of the dramatic final victory over France in 2022, is well aware of the quality Tuchel has at his disposal with skipper Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham having enhanced their reputations during the tournament.
However, he insists they will concentrate on their own game rather than on that of their opponents.
Montiel said: “They have great players, but beyond the individual names, they’re a team. Our focus is on ourselves first. Obviously they’re outstanding players.
“We’re focused on ourselves. We’re preparing for a World Cup semi-final, and we’re ready for it.
“The dream is always there. Like every Argentinian, we believe. We’re one step away from another World Cup final.”
Like England, Argentina, who are ranked second in the world by FIFA, have had their critics throughout their journey to the last four, but midfielder Rodrigo De Paul insists they have simply shut out the outside noise.
De Paul, who also picked up a winners’ medal four years ago, said: “I don’t pay attention to other people’s opinions. Soccer is great because it creates debate.
“We’re very happy and very calm with the World Cup we’ve had and the process we’ve been through.”