England and Argentina to Meet After 21 Years in World Cup Clash

The England vs Argentina match for the FIFA World Cup final couldn't get any bigger. It isn't just a football match, it's the newest installment of an epic rivalry with nearly two centuries of complicated history and 60 years of epic clashes on the pitch with indelible moments of brilliance, controversy and drama.

First Meeting in 21 Years

It was a huge battle Wednesday in Atlanta. For the first time in 21 years both football giants met each other in any capacity. They had an amicable match in Geneva in 2005, when England clawed their way back to a thrilling 3-2 victory after falling 2-1 behind in the first half, with an 18-year-old Lionel Messi on the sidelines and suspended.

Messi's Chase for Another Final

It'll be all about the all-time top scorer,  Lionel Messi, in the FIFA World Cup as he attempts to lead the defending champion to another final. But the contest isn't just this one, footballing relations between the two nations go back a long way. The origins of football in Argentina go back to the presence of British immigrants: the first match recorded was played in 1867 by British railway employees, and historic clubs in Argentina like Newell's Old Boys and Rosario Central were founded by British immigrants. Messi has taken to the pitch for Newell's Old Boys himself.

1966: "The Robbery of the Century"

This was an extraordinarily close and tightly contested contest, that Argentina lost to England in the World Cup quarter-final at Wembley, which was dubbed "El Robo del Siglo" (The Robbery of the Century) back home. Argentina fielded 10 men to more than half the match, sparking rumours around South America that the event was being rigged against the continent's teams. Geoff Hurst managed to save a challenge from Roberto Ferreiro on the right but then headed home Martin Peters' cross for the game's only goal — despite Argentina claiming he was offside.

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1986: The "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century"

The World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium took place four years after the Falklands War which had further heightened tensions between the two countries. The game stayed scoreless as Diego Maradona came up to a looping ball and punched it past England's Peter Shilton, known as the "Hand of God". Four minutes later Maradona found himself in the legendary "Goal of the Century" and with the England defence beaten by the 11 touches he played on his own run, he finished from a tight angle.

1998: Owen's Wonder Goal and Beckham's Red Card

The 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match was another great world cup story. Gabriel Batistuta gave Argentina an early lead from the penalty spot, before Michael Owen won a penalty converted by Alan Shearer, and then scored a brilliant solo goal to put England ahead. Javier Zanetti put Argentina back into the game for a draw before half-time.Javier Zanetti brought Argentina back on board for a draw before half time. But in the second half, David Beckham was sent off when he retaliated against Diego Simeone, getting a lot of criticism in the British media. England were almost on target late on, but the goal was disallowed and the hosts prevailed on penalties 4-3 with goalkeeper Carlos Roa saving spot-kicks from Paul Ince and David Batty.

2002: England's Redemption

Michael Owen was fouled by Mauricio Pochettino while David Beckham converted the penalty in their next World Cup encounter. This time, both Beckham and Simeone played for the entire 90 minutes and even shook hands - a symbolic comparison to their infamous 1998 meeting. England went on to win and qualify for the knock outs while Argentina suffered a first-ever knockout in the World Cup group stage since the great history of the competition began in 1962.