By David AFOLABI
The semifinals clash between Argentina and England is bringing back the memory of 40 years ago.
The epic match comes 40 years after a seismic encounter in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico that brings back the memory of Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’.
Argentina secured a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Azteca with two goals from Diego Maradona — one the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the other a dazzling solo effort considered one of the best ever.
The teams have faced each other twice in World Cups since — Argentina won on penalties in 1998 while England gained revenge four years later.
Scaloni admitted the defending champions would have to improve after another tough test following gruelling 3-2 wins over Cape Verde and Egypt.
“We won because of our ambition — we didn’t want it to go to penalties,” he said. “It was more about the desire to win than the quality of play.”
He added: “We are in the semi-finals, a privileged position in football that we might take for granted, but it’s not that easy.
“We have every reason to be happy, satisfied, and excited.
“Now we’re going for everything we can, right to the end, with every last ounce of strength and every last drop of sweat.
“If we pull it off, great. If not, we’re going to give it our all. Let there be no doubt about that.”
