Argentina-England semi-final revives Maradona memories at World Cup
What's new: Lionel Scaloni pushed back on war-era framing after Argentina's extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England has stirred fresh attention on Diego Maradona’s legacy and the rivalry’s political history, even as coach Lionel Scaloni tried to keep the focus on football. After Argentina’s extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland, Scaloni rejected suggestions the match should be treated as anything more than a game. The fixture carries heavy symbolism because of Argentina’s 1986 win over England, played four years after the Falklands war, and Maradona remains a central figure for supporters. At this tournament in the United States, Argentina fans have continued to display his image in stadiums ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with England.