Monday, November 14, 2005
It's never a friendly against the Argies
The history between England and Argentina meant this was never going to be just another friendly. Going back 39 years to when the Argentina captain, Antonio Rattin refused to leave the field for 10 minutes after being sent off at Wembley, England v Argentina has always been special. It's not just on a sporting level, in 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands and after a war, British rule was reinstated. Just 4 years later, Maradona showed both sides of his character in the space of a few minutes. First he cheated by punching the ball into the net and then he scored a fantastic individual goal. In France 98, Beckham was sent off in a fiery encounter which England lost on penalties. He laid his ghosts to rest in Japan 2002 with the penalty that won the game 1-0 as the Argies crashed out in the group stage.So off we all went to Geneva for the latest episode. For years now, England friendlies have been a joke. Multiple substitutions and a lack of passion have lead to some pretty bad performances and results but for once, the players all seemed 'up for the game'. There were 8,000 official England tickets but as normal, thousands of others got their hands on tickets all over the stadium. In total, I would say about half the 29,000 was England fans. Around 6,000 were supporting Argentina with the rest being neutral.....or as neutral as you could be in the cauldron. The atmosphere was like a tournament match. Both sides at were at full strength, the players didn't want to miss this either. For some reason, unknown to anyone with an IQ above 37, the United Nations had chosen this game to represent friendship. Are they mad ?? I think we all know the answer to that one.
The UN friendship game started off well with the Argie players being filmed singing and chanting some some which dates back a few years and questions the England players sexuality. No England fans I know were particularly offended by this, it's all part of it. England fans were singing songs about the Falklands conflict. These are the reasons the atmosphere was so fierce and the game was played with the passion that was shown by everyone on the field.
Still, the UN hadn't got anything more important to worry about and after the game, still reeling from their 3-2 defeat to England, Argentina were reprimanded by The United Nations Peace Envoy for Sport. The UN had selected the match as a vehicle to promote good sportsmanship but have been angered by Argentina's reported behaviour prior to kick off in Geneva. Jose Pekerman's squad are alleged to have engaged in anti-English chanting in a bid to bate their opponents; actions which have drawn an angry rebuke from Adolf Ogi.
"It is totally unacceptable," said Adolf Ogi.
"I can only apologise to the English people for what has happened."
And Ogi is determined to seek answers from the Argentinean FA after the UN were left with egg on their face.
"I will be looking into the incidents and asking the Argentinean authorities for an explanation," added Ogi.
"We have tried to use this game as to promote peace through football.
"It is not the sort of behaviour you expect."
Lets look at that last quote again "It is not the sort of behaviour you expect". Yes, it is you moron. There is a long history between the sides. Do you think it's going to subside because the UN earmark this game in yet another one of their stupid campaigns !!!!
Anyway, I digress. Onto the action. For once, an England friendly wasn't going to be a dull, drab affair. There was skill and aggression on display, it was clear we were in for a good afternoons entertainment. Michael Owen had the ball in the net early on but it was ruled out of offside (never!!!). Then the Argies took the lead. Wayne Bridge was easily beaten and as the cross came in Crespo was given the freedom of the penalty area by John Terry and Rio Ferdinand to score. The lead didn't last long and the White Pele (Wayne Rooney) calmly finished to level the scores. He also hit the post with a stunning piece of control and chip that beat the keeper but not the woodwork.
There were chances at both ends with Robinson looking assured and the Argie keeper looking like David James. The second half continued in the same vein but it was the Argies who took the lead again from a set piece. More comedy defending allowed Walter Samuel a close range header (how embarrassing cos he is a donkey) and the Argies tried to break up the game with their trademark diving and cheating.
Ironically, this was to be their downfall. With just 3 minutes left, own found space at the back post to head home Gerrards deep cross. We were jubilant having saved ourselves from defeat but the drama wasn't over. Beckham rattled the crossbar and then with seconds left, sub Joe Cole put a cross into the area and Owen headed home again to give England the victory the traveling army of fans craved. We had scored the winner in the injury time added on when the Argies were faking injury. Talk about poetic justice.
The final whistle brought huge celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. Songs were song as loudly as possible. This is what it means to support England....and it was only a friendly. God knows what will happen if we meet them again next summer.
