Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has been at pains to insist his side’s World Cup semifinal against England is just a game of football.
Forget the past, the previous controversies, the political and diplomatic tensions, it is all about what will happen on the pitch in Atlanta.
But that can be a hard message to sell to fans who live vicariously through their national team.
Fans get excited before the semifinal. (Getty Images: Nick Potts)
A World Cup represents something bigger than the ordinary highs and lows they might experience in their every day lives.
It is a chance to connect with their compatriots who have come from their homeland and across various diasporas.
It is an opportunity to express national pride, and to feel the fullest, rawest emotions unleashed in a safe space.
And when you combine that with a storied rivalry between two outstanding footballing nations it is a heady, intoxicating mix.
Argentina wearing hearts on sleeve
La Albiceleste fans have been amongst the most boisterous throughout North America, hosting huge pre-game rallies and celebrating until dawn after victories.
They looked to have their largest gathering yet in downtown Atlanta ahead of this game. Thousands created a massive mosh pit, while others desperately searched for the best vantage point to watch.
Argentina fans were singing and dancing for hours ahead of the game against England. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
They remember, or have been told about, Maradona’s “Hand of God” in 1986, David Beckham’s red card in 1998, and Beckham’s winning penalty the last time they met at the tournament in 2002.
Whole generations of players have been and gone in the time since these sides last faced off. But it does not lessen the impact of the past.
“[The rivalry with England] is intense to say the least. So it’s going to be a tough game tomorrow, but in a good way. And we know Argentina’s going to win,” Argentina fan Natalie from North Carolina said.
Fans were scrambling to get a vantage point of the supporters chanting and singing below. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
The concern for Scaloni and his team of world champions is what might happen if they do not win.
They have come close to exiting several times during the knockout stage, and after the last gasp 3-2 win over Egypt in the round of 16 there were incredibly emotional scenes from all involved.
It looked less like joy and more like an immense relief to still be kicking, with winning it all now the norm.
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals so far in the tournament. (Getty Images: Rico Brouwer)
Scaloni’s heart-on-sleeve approach belies his insistence that it is just a game. He feels it just as much as the fans, as does Lionel Messi and all of the players.
“I believe that playing a World Cup semifinal is something unique,” Scaloni said.
“It is true that we have already played one, but it is as we’ve never played one.
“We are just as happy, anxious, and encouraged to be able to offer our people the enjoyment of seeing their national team giving everything.
“And logically, we have a great rival in front of us that is going to make things difficult, that will try to advance to the final.”
England wants to take next step
This England fan summed it up succinctly: “They hate us and we hate them.”
England fans getting ready for the game the night before in Atlanta. (Getty Images: James Manning)
And as much as Argentina is downplaying the bad blood, England manager Thomas Tuchel has at least acknowledged it.
“If a fixture provides so many iconic moments I think you cannot just say it’s just another football match,” he said.
“But as a coach, we do exactly that. Focus on what we can influence. Me and my team, between us, we don’t speak about the historic events.”
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been pivotal in guiding England to the final four. (Getty Images: Julian Finney)
The Three Lions have solidified their moniker as mentality monsters with each win, more defiant and resilient than the last.
English football fandom is usually served with a healthy dose of cynicism and a feeling that the house of cards will come crashing down at any moment.
But the supporters are slowly letting their guard down as their team keeps giving them reasons to believe.
“We’re confident. We’re telling all the Argentina fans they’re playing on Saturday [in the third place play off], so that tells you something,” Joe from London said.
English supporters believe football is finally coming home. (Getty Images: James Manning)
Tuchel’s mission since he took over has been clear. It has been 60 years since England’s one and only men’s title.
“We want to take the next step,” he said.
“I like the switch of energy in our camp. I feel the players are very excited. I feel they’re very ambitious for this semifinal.
“No-one is satisfied and that’s exactly the right mixture to have the performance that we need for tomorrow.”
German Thomas Tuchel is hoping to become the first foreign manager to ever lead a side to a World Cup win. (Getty Images: PA Images/Bradley Collyer)
England and Argentina have both fought and scrapped their way through this tournament, neither seemingly hitting full stride.
They have relied on moments of individual brilliance from their top-tier talent and have created magnificent theatre along the way.
It will be a football match, but it is hoped that it can also be so much more.
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