England’s World Cup dreams were shattered on Wednesday as Argentina scored two late goals.
Anthony Gordon’s opener had allowed England fans to dream of a first World Cup final since 1966, before Enzo Fernandez equalised and Lautaro Martinez won it for the holders in injury time.
It marked the latest chapter of an intense World Cup rivalry between the two countries, which notably includes Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in a 2-1 victory for Argentina at the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Speaking after the match, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes said the Falklands War was a “sad part of our history” and added the game “wasn’t just a football match” for his nation.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Argentina players who celebrated with the banner “must be barred from the final”.
He highlighted Spain players Alvaro Morata and Rodri being banned for one game by Uefa, the governing body of European football, after they chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” during their side’s Euro 2024 victory celebrations.
The UK has had sovereignty over Gibraltar since 1713, although this is disputed by Spain, who claim the territory as their own.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The Falkland Islands are British. The Conservatives will always defend them.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “disgusted” at the behaviour of some Argentinian players, adding: “The most important thing to do is build up the Royal Navy quickly.”
Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel posted on X after Wednesday’s victory that “it wasn’t just another match” alongside a video of what appeared to be Argentine soldiers.
“The Falklands are Argentine,” Villarruel posted. “They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”
Argentina players also sang chants which referenced the Falklands and Argentina greats Maradona and Lionel Messi following their dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16.
Before the semi-final, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had said he was “not going to mix” football and politics.
He said: “It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn’t much we can do about it, that’s the reality.
“Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match – we shouldn’t confuse the two.”
