The first meeting between Argentina and England since their infamous duel at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™, in which Diego Maradona scored with his 'hand of God' and then with one of the most breathtaking goals in history.
England began the match brightly, but it was Argentina who took an early lead. Escaping his marker, Simeone ran towards goal. David Seaman advanced from his line and brought down the midfielder inside the box while diving for the ball. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen had no alternative but to point to the spot, and Gabriel Batistuta made no mistake to scored.
Glenn Hoddle’s men responded well to conceding and found themselves level just four minutes later. Michael Owen was threatening to outpace Roberto Ayala en route to goal and was brought down by the Argentina captain. Owen’s senior strike partner Alan Shearer stepped up to take the resulting penalty to fire English's troops level.
Things turned from bad to worse for Argentina six minutes later. Beckham lofted a superb pass which met the run of Owen. After shrugging off the attentions of Jose Chamot, he avoided the challenge of Roberto Ayala before firing a precise drive into the far corner of Carlos Roa’s goal. At 2-1.
In added time at the end of the first half, Argentina were awarded a free-kick . Batistuta shaped to shoot, but Veron slipped the ball precisely into Javier Zanetti’s run. The full-back's first touch was perfect and he fired Argentina's side level.
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| Sorry for Bekham |
Extra time came and went and penalties were needed to separate the sides. Sergio Berti scored for Argentina, while Shearer repeated his earlier success from the spot. Seaman saved from Hernan Crespo, but then Paul Ince was denied by Roa. Veron and Paul Merson then found the net.
Ayala made it 4-3, but David Batty had his shot saved. England were out, once again contemplating what might have been.
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