ARGENTINA haven’t beaten a former World Cup champion without penalties since Brazil in 1990 in an optimistic sign for England.
Lionel Messi and Co face the Three Lions in a massive World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Argentina have a sketchy record against former World Cup champions Credit: Getty
England have been given hope they can overcome Lionel Messi and Co Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
It will be the first time the Inter Miami star has ever faced England in his career as he bids to lift back-to-back World Cup trophies.
But there is a “curse” that is said to be plaguing Argentina ahead of the game.
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The nation tend to struggle against teams who have previously won the competition.
The last time they beat one of those teams in regular or extra time was against Brazil in the Italia 1990 Round of 16.
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That was a 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Claudio Canigga, assisted by Diego Maradona.
Argentina would beat Italy on penalties in the semi-finals before losing the final 1-0 to West Germany.
Argentina were then beaten in three successive editions by Germany, on penalties in the 2006 quarter-finals before losing 4-0 in the same stage of 2010.
They lost 1-0 to the Germans in the 2014 final after extra time before losing to France in the 2018 Round of 16.
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They would avenge that defeat against Les Bleus by beating them in the 2022 final, but only on penalties.
Against 1966 winners England, they won on penalties in the 1998 Round of 16 but then lost 1-0 in the 2002 group stages.
That’s a total of 10 matches against former champions, with just one win in regulation time. Four games have gone to penalties and they have suffered five defeats.
So that should give England encouragement that they can get the job done on Wednesday night – so long as it doesn’t go to spot kicks.
Argentina’s media, however, believe Thomas Tuchel‘s men have a weak link they can exploit.
South American outlet TyccSports believe Arsenal’s Declan Rice is someone Argentina should target because he is not the best receiving the ball off the back four.
Messi is hoping the lift the World Cup trophy in back-to-back competitions Credit: Getty
They said: “When Declan Rice receives the ball uncomfortably or with his back to goal, England loses clarity in their build-up play and begins to resort more frequently to direct play.
“Kane might win the initial aerial duel, but the team loses precision and continuity.
“Stifling that initial ball movement could prevent Bellingham from receiving the ball facing forward and reduce England’s attacking threat.”
England reached this stage after seeing off DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.
Meanwhile, Argentina reached the semis after beating Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.
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