Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston. On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season. Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East. If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead. “We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.” Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5. Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists. Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run. “I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.” Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9. Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots. The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2. Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games. That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos. Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period. “I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist. Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.” Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games. Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist. Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Deadspin | Canes not looking past Blackhawks in quest for No. 1 seed
Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.

Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Sports news April 9, 2026

Apr 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) watches the play against the Boston Bruins during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Metropolitan Division title and remained on track to secure home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs with Tuesday’s overtime victory against visiting Boston.

On Thursday, Carolina (50-22-6, 106 points) will aim to keep its focus as it meets the slumping Chicago Blackhawks in the opener of a four-game road trip to close the regular season.

Atlantic Division foes Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Montreal each entered Wednesday with 102 points and are the Hurricanes’ closest competitors for the top spot in the East.

If defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s reaction to the division crown is any indication, Carolina need not worry about looking ahead.

“We put in a lot of work this season, and to do that is still a big accomplishment,” Slavin said. “But that’s just one step along the way.”

Slavin scored the game-winning goal — his first goal of the season — at 1:13 of overtime to beat Boston 6-5.

Four Hurricanes earned multiple points, as Taylor Hall and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and assist and Jackson Blake and Sean Walker both had two assists.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, whose club has won four of five, feels the team is hitting its stride for the stretch run.

“I thought we played really well,” he said. “We had some breakdowns, and we had a couple where they made us pay. But I liked the way our group responded on everything. Overall, it was real positive.”

Chicago (28-36-14, 70 points) has lost six of seven and is in search of its first home victory since March 9.

Thursday marks the start of the Blackhawks’ four-game homestand to conclude the regular season, with each coming against teams that either have clinched playoff berths or remain in contention for wild-card spots.

The Blackhawks are coming off a loss Monday to one such club. The host San Jose Sharks, part of a congested Western Conference wild-card chase, edged the Blackhawks 3-2.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar tallied goals for Chicago, while Connor Bedard earned his fourth assist in the past three games.

That raised Bedard’s career points total to 200. He’s the first Blackhawk to achieve the feat before age 20, joining 12 other players in league history, including current players Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos.

Bedard had the secondary assist on Donato’s goal in the first period.

“I thought we were moving the puck well. (Bedard) up top works really well. He sees the ice really well,” said Nazar, who added an assist.

Added coach Jeff Blashill: “(Bedard’s) the guy you want with the puck in his hands.”

Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane (upper-body injury) returned against the Sharks after missing the past nine games.

Visiting Chicago edged Carolina 4-3 in a shootout on Jan. 22. Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 28 shots in regulation and overtime. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and assist.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (lower body) left the Boston game in the third period, but Brind’Amour didn’t have an immediate update.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Canes #Blackhawks #quest #seed

Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso becomes first player to pick nine wickets in T20Is <div id="content-body-70842695" itemprop="articleBody">Brazilian pacer Laura Cardoso scripted history on Thursday as she became the first player, man or woman, to take nine wickets in a T20I innings.The 21-year-old all-rounder ripped through Lesotho’s batting line-up at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone, ending with a brilliant spell of 9/4 (3) which included two maiden overs.This has bettered R. Rohmalia’s (Indonesia) spell of seven wickets for no runs against Mongolia in 2024 in the women’s game, and Sonam Yeshey’s (Bhutan) 8/7 spell against Myanmar in 2025 in the men’s game.Earlier in the match, Brazil posted a commanding total of 202, powered by impressive knocks from Roberta Avery (48 off 35) and Monnike Machado (69 not out off 41).Cardoso’s incredible spell began in the second over when the pacer picked up a hat-trick. She followed it up with four more wickets in the fourth over to take her tally to seven.Two additional wickets in the sixth over saw her reach an unprecedented nine wickets in an innings.The final wicket was claimed by Marianne Artur, as Lesotho were bowled out for just 13 in 6.2 overs, handing Brazil a massive 189-run victory.Cardoso has played 48 T20Is for Brazil and picked up 55 wickets. She made her debut for the Brazilian national team in 2021 against USA.(With PTI inputs)Published on Apr 09, 2026</div> #Brazil #pacer #Laura #Cardoso #player #pick #wickets #T20Is

Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren <div id="content-body-70842658" itemprop="articleBody">Max Verstappen’s long-time Formula One race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is to leave Red Bull and join McLaren ‌in a supporting role to team principal Andrea Stella.There was no immediate comment from either team on Thursday, but senior insiders confirmed the move, ⁠first reported in Dutch media, to Reuters.The news was also reported by the BBC and Sky Sports, with 2028 given as the likely start date for a man who has been working with ‌Verstappen since 2016 and has played a key role in helping the Dutch driver to four world championships.Lambiase, 45, had also been linked with Silverstone-based Aston ‌Martin, whose team principal is former Red Bull star designer Adrian Newey.<h4 class="sub_head">Stella set to stay as Principal</h4>While Aston Martin has endured a nightmare start to the season, ⁠struggling to even finish races with an uncompetitive Honda engine, McLaren won both titles last year with champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri.Lambiase is expected to become head of race engineering at McLaren once a potentially long period of ‘gardening leave’ comes ‌to an end, with former Ferrari engineer Stella continuing in his position.Stella, who worked with Michael Schumacher in a golden era at Ferrari in the early 2000s, has a multi-year contract with McLaren and no intention of returning to Maranello despite some media ‌speculation about his future.The close but forthright relationship between Verstappen and ‘GP’ over the team radio has become a familiar part of Formula One, similar to the pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington during the seven-time world ⁠champion’s spell at Mercedes.Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, fired last July, once compared the relationship to that of “an old married couple arguing about what to watch on television.READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-technical-heads-to-meet-discuss-new-engine-rules-changes-motorsport-news/article70839707.ece" target="_blank">F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules</a>“The dynamic between ‌the two is so intense that in between you have to ask yourself who is supposed to be the driver and who is supposed to be the engineer here.”Losing the Briton will be a blow to Verstappen after the departure of other important figures in recent seasons and once-dominant Red Bull’s waning performance on track, but the 28-year-old has also increasingly cast doubt on his own longevity in the sport.“I’m thinking about everything inside ‌this paddock,” he said in Japan last month.Verstappen is no fan of the sport’s new engine era and rules that force drivers to manage energy deployment and take corners at less than full speed.In 2021, when they won a first title together, the ⁠Dutchman went so far as to say that he would not continue without Lambiase.“I have said ⁠to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too,” he told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport. “We can be pretty strict with ‌each other sometimes, but I want that. He has to tell me when I’m being a jerk, and I have to tell him.”McLaren already has former Red Bull employees Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay in senior roles as chief designer and sporting director, respectively.Published on Apr 09, 2026</div> #Verstappens #race #engineer #Lambiase #leave #Red #Bull #McLaren

#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson">

Deadspin | Florida State lands pledge from 4-star DB Za’Kari Johnson Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech. Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary. Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings. Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson

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Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech.

Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary.

Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings.

Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson">Deadspin | Florida State lands pledge from 4-star DB Za’Kari Johnson

Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech.

Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary.

Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings.

Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson

Scotland fans are returning to Boston for the best reason Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup. #Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason

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Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason">Scotland fans are returning to Boston for the best reason
Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason

5 World Cup Controversies That Made England vs Argentina Legendary 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

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

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

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 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 #World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary — 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

#World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary">

mwasimuddin125 0

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
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
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
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 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

#World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary">5 World Cup Controversies That Made England vs Argentina Legendary

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

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

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