England have been sent an alarming warning about referees ‘giving Argentina everything’ at the World Cup, as the Three Lions prepare to face the reigning champions in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta.
Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji, whose side lost 3-1 to Argentina in extra time in the quarter-finals, did not hold back in his assessment of referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro. “When you have the referee against you, it becomes difficult,” the former Manchester City defender said. “Every little thing was called against us. Every dive and every foul by the Argentinians went unpunished. I don’t usually say anything against the officials, but I’ve never experienced such a one-sided game as today.”
“England warned of preferential refereeing for Argentina before World Cup semi-final, after Swiss star Manuel Akanji slams 'one-sided' officials.”
The match saw Switzerland’s Breel Embolo sent off after a VAR intervention when a yellow card for a foul on Leandro Paredes was transferred to Embolo for simulation under the new ‘mistaken identity’ rule. Embolo had already been booked, forcing him off the field. Switzerland boss Mura Yakin branded the rule that led to the second yellow card as ‘unacceptable’.
It was not the first controversy involving Argentina at this tournament. In the round of 16 against Egypt, a goal from Mostafa Zico was ruled out by VAR for a foul on Lisandro Martinez early in the move. Against Switzerland, Lautaro Martinez escaped a second yellow card for jumping the barrier while celebrating his goal in extra time.
Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit on Wednesday – a strip they last wore in a 3-1 group-stage win against Jordan, and one that has brought them success against England before. They defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the 1986 quarter-finals, where Diego Maradona scored his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal, and also won a last-16 penalty shootout in 1998, when David Beckham was sent off. England’s only victory against Argentina in the past four meetings came in 2002, when they wore red while Argentina donned their traditional striped kit.
This time England will wear their all-white home kit, with Argentina in navy blue, black shorts and socks. Media outlets in Argentina reported the team requested to wear the away kit. Fifa’s preference is for first-choice colours, but it ensures a dark-light contrast for colour blind fans.
England booked their semi-final place with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, while Argentina needed extra time to beat 10-man Switzerland. Jude Bellingham has scored six goals in the tournament, Lionel Messi eight. Wednesday’s match at Atlanta Stadium (20:00 BST) will be shown live on the BBC. Akanji’s assessment hangs over the tie: “We played against the world champions, and they didn’t stand a chance.”