Antonio Rattin’s red card (1966 World Cup quarterfinal)

The rivalry’s first great flashpoint came at Wembley when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off for “violence of the tongue”, despite no common language existing between him and German referee Rudolf Kreitlein. Rattin refused to leave for nearly eight minutes, sat on the royal carpet and had to be escorted off. England won 1-0, but the aftermath proved equally explosive as England manager Alf Ramsey prevented his players from exchanging shirts with Argentina, later branding the visitors “animals”.

Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986 World Cup quarterfinal)

Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Six minutes into the second half in Mexico City, Diego Maradona leapt with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left fist. The Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and his assistants missed the infringement, allowing the goal to stand. Maradona later described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona also scoring the celebrated “Goal of the Century” minutes later.

David Beckham’s red card (1998 World Cup Round of 16)

David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

With the score at 2-2 in Saint-Etienne, England midfielder David Beckham was sent off early in the second half after kicking out at Diego Simeone following a foul. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen judged the retaliation worthy of a red card. Reduced to 10 men, England held on until penalties before losing the shootout. Beckham became a national villain overnight, while many England supporters accused Simeone of exaggerating the contact.

Sol Campbell’s disallowed extra-time goal (1998 World Cup Round of 16)

Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The same 1998 tie produced another controversy. In extra time, Sol Campbell headed England into what appeared to be a golden-goal winner. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen, however, ruled the goal out for a foul by Alan Shearer on Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The match remained level and Argentina eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout (4-3).

Michael Owen’s controversial penalty against Mauricio Pochettino (2002 World Cup group stage)

England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal  | Photo Credit: Getty Images

England’s only goal in its 1-0 victory over Argentina came from a penalty that has remained fiercely debated. Just before half-time, Michael Owen burst into the penalty area and went down after contact from defender Mauricio Pochettino. Referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the spot, and David Beckham converted. While England argued Pochettino had clipped Owen, Argentina insisted the striker had exaggerated the contact. Years later, Owen admitted he could have stayed on his feet, keeping alive one of the rivalry’s most disputed refereeing decisions.

Published on Jul 15, 2026