- Demand respect for fallen heroes, lasting peace as England battle Argentina
Ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, the April 2 War Veterans Federation (representing veterans of the 1982 Falklands War/Malvinas conflict) has issued a fierce plea, urging football supporters and fans to draw an unbreakable line between sporting passion and the national cause.
The Federation demanded that supporters focus on the game, abandon hostility, avoid using the pitch for geopolitics, or a platform to push sovereignty claims over South Atlantic islands.
Argentina and Britain fought a short conflict over the islands known by the British as the Falklands and by Argentinians as the Malvinas in 1982, in which 649 Argentinian soldiers and 255 British fighters died.
The group said on Monday that the match was “not an armed rematch nor historical compensation”, urging fans and the wider public to honour the memory of Argentinian soldiers killed in the conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia.
“Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution,” the April 2 War Veterans Federation said in a statement.
“We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause. “The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact.”
The United Kingdom claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies, including the United Nations.
During the World Cup, Argentina fans and players have been singing a chant referencing the islands, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi’s bid to end his international career with a second World Cup title.
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Argentina’s players and coaching staff, however, have sought to cool rivalry talk in the run-up to Wednesday’s match, with manager Lionel Scaloni saying there will be nothing more than football at stake when the two sides meet in Atlanta.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed his words on Monday, when he told reporters the semi-final is “just a game of football. It’s two proud nations. The football will do its talking.”
Both countries share one of international football’s most storied rivalries, marked by several high-profile World Cup meetings, including the 1986 quarter-final that featured Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal.
Head-To-Head At The World Cup
England and Argentina have met five times at the FIFA World Cup with the Three Lions winning three times, while La Albiceleste, (the white and sky-blue) have won twice. In their last World Cup meeting in 2002, England won the group game 1-0, with David Beckham scoring a first-half penalty.
Full Breakdown At El-Mundial:
England 1-0 Argentina – 2002
Argentina 2-2 England (4-3 on penalties) – 1998
Argentina 2-1 England – 1986
England 1-0 Argentina – 1966
England 3-1 Argentina – 1962
Argentina Vs England: Last 5 matches
England 3-2 Argentina (international friendly, 2005)
England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup 2002, group stage)
England 0-0 Argentina (international friendly, 2000)
Argentina 2-2 England (4-3 on penalties, World Cup 1998, round of 16)
England 2-2 Argentina (Challenge Cup, 1991)
