Argentina fans burn Union Jack ahead of England World Cup semifinal
· Yahoo Sports
A group of Argentina supporters cranked up the pre-match hostility ahead of Wednesday's FIFA World Cup semifinal against England by BURNING the Union Jack. Footage captured a crowd of jubilant Argentines setting the flag ablaze in Escobar, on the outskirts of the capital, Buenos Aires.
Loud cheers ring out from the gathered crowd as the flames take hold. Several onlookers are also visible leaping into the air while chanting: "He who doesn't jump is an Englishman."
Visit sportnewz.click for more information.
The clip is reported to have been filmed following Argentina's victory over Switzerland on Saturday, with the Three Lions having already secured their spot in the semifinals earlier that day. The reigning World Cup champions haven't faced England since a 2005 friendly, as per The Mirror.
- Who is the referee for the Spain vs France FIFA World Cup semifinal?
- World Cup fans furious as they claim tournament 'rigged' amid Argentina VAR win
While the two nations share a considerable history on the soccer field, there is plenty of baggage off it as well. The Union Jack was prominently displayed by British forces throughout the Falklands War and remains part of the current flag of the Falkland Islands.
The clip of the burning flag drew widespread bewilderment on social media, given that England, naturally, flies the St George's Cross.
Following their 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, Argentina's players were captured on film singing about the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas). "For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona], for Leo's [Lionel Messi] last one," they chanted inside their locker room.
However, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni doesn't want his team getting swept up in the emotions surrounding the game. "The message is this is a football game," Scaloni affirmed at a press conference.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
"That is what I can say. We will be playing against a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all."
Meanwhile, Argentina forward José López said: "Obviously, inside and outside the four lines of the pitch it's a match that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it. I think we are professionals and we're going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field."
The winners of Wednesday's game will take on Spain in the final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey, while the losing side will travel to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, for the third-place playoff against France on Saturday, following La Roja's 2-0 semifinal win.