It doesn’t get much bigger than this, as Three Lions of England and World Cup champions Albiceleste of Argentina renew hostilities for the first time in more than 20 years.
England defeated Norway in the quarter-finals with Bellingham completing a match-winning brace in extra time, putting England through to just a third semi-final since the 1966 tournament on home soil.
On their part, Argentina needed two goals in extra time of their quarter final to edge out Switzerland having been taken to extra time by Cape Verde and come from two down against Egypt.
Thomas Tuchel side have made themselves tough to beat, as they have remained unbeaten in competitive matches since his appointment. Yet Argentina present the biggest test yet.
Argentina are unbeaten in their last six competitive matches, while England haven’t tasted defeat in a non-friendly game since October 2024 against Greece.
For England to reach a World Cup final for the first time since 1966, they must do something no other team have managed to achieve – beat Argentina in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup.
Argentina team has never failed to reach the World Cup final once they get to the semifinals, and they are set to compete in their sixth last four appearance hoping to maintain their impressive record.
1978 World Cup
As hosts of the 1978 World Cup, Argentina got to the final after topping a four-team group in the second round. The Argentines advanced to the second round after finishing second in their group in the first round.
The second round format at the 1978 edition served as the semifinal stage and was also used at the 1974 tournament in the former West Germany.
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1986 World Cup
Argentina were back in the semi-final at the 1986 World Cup and faced Belgium, whom they beat 2-0 thanks to Diego Maradona’s second half brace.
Maradona was also the hero as his brace helped his country see off England 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
1990 World Cup
At Italia 1990, Argentina also got to the last four and were up against the hosts and triumphed 4-3 on penalty shootout after regulation time ended 1-1.
But it was heartbreak for the Argentines following a 1-0 loss to West Germany after conceding a late penalty.
2014 World Cup
The South American heavyweights had to wait until 2014 in Brazil before making it to another semis and faced The Netherlands. After both teams could not find the back of the net, the game was decided via penalties which Argentina won 4-2.
2022 World Cup
Then at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Argentina went all the way to the semifinals d thrashed Croatia 3-0 to qualify for the final which they won by beating France through penalty shootout.
Messi bagged a brace while Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick in the pulsating final four years ago.
As the world look forward to tonight’s epic clash, will England halt Argentina’s impressive semifinal record or will the reigning world champions maintain their streak, today’s encounter will provide the answer.
By James Agberebi
