FIFA grant special request to Argentina ahead of England World Cup semi-final
Argentina submitted the request to FIFA on Monday, and it has now been granted.
England are gearing up for their fourth World Cup semi-final, and ahead of the showdown in Atlanta, FIFA have granted Argentina’s special request.
The Three Lions secured their place in the last four of the competition with a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Norway on Saturday, while Argentinaalso prevailed in extra time against Switzerland.
The two historic rivals will now do battle for a place in the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, with this fixture producing some memorable moments over the years.
Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal that helped Argentina clinch a 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final is an injustice the Three Lions are still looking to avenge, and the same goes for David Beckham’s red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone at the 1998 tournament.
La Albiceleste wore navy or dark blue during those two victories over England, whereas on the two occasions they donned their traditional blue and white striped kit, they tasted defeat against them at the 1966 and 2002 World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, Argentina asked for permission from FIFA to wear their blue away shirt as a potentially positive omen, and their request has now been granted ahead of the showdown.
When asked about whether he was aware of the ‘lucky’ kit’s significance, a confused Thomas Tuchel said: “You talked to the wrong person, who was not aware of what kit we will be wearing until tomorrow’s warm-up.
“Argentina plays in blue and we play in white and that is because it’s a lucky shirt or they chose this?”
Tuchel then elaborated when he was told England were listed as the home team and will wear their traditional white kit.
“If there was any superstition then I would have done the same so credit to Argentina,” the German added.
“I was not aware of that, I have my superstitious routines, you can call it superstitious or routines, I will not tell you that because if I tell you, it will not work.
“I can’t but we have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day and that will not change. These things are just normal in high-level sport.”
