Falklands conflict undercurrent as England prepare for Argentina test

June 2, 2002

IBARAKI, Japan, June 2 (AFP) -- It's only a game - but try telling that to the thousands of England and Argentina supporters who have made their way to Asia for Friday's set-to between the old rivals in Sapporo.

The sides already have enough of a history in the World Cup, especially following the Argentines' penalty shootout win in Saint Etienne four years ago and Diego Maradona's "hand of god" exploits - and brilliant second goal - in their 1986 quarter-final triumph.

But when these two footballing powers come together there is also a tangible political undercurrent because of the Falklands conflict of 1982. Argentina invaded the islands in the South Atlantic to pursue its sovereignty claim over the territories it calls the Malvinas and Britain went to war in a successful - if short and bloody - bid to get the islands back.

Some South American fans attending Sunday's match against Nigeria made their feelings known with several banners draped over the stands at the venue in Ibaraki making reference to the conflict while they also mentioned the issue in some chants designed to gee-up their team. The Argentines' win over the Nigerians means that they can go into the match against England - who were facing Sweden later Sunday - with confidence.

"Malvinas, we will return," was one refrain which could be seen on some banners near one of the goals. Aside from the Falklands, another source of Argentine irritation is that they cannot persuade everybody that their former star Diego Maradona is the best player ever - rather than Brazil's Pele, the choice of many fans in other countries.

A handful of fans unfurled a banner reading simply "the greatest" showing Maradona kissing his country's sky blue and white shirt. Another accepted that the choice between the two was a close call - of sorts.

"Pele was the king - Diego is god."

But if the albiceleste are to land a third world title after 1978 and 1986 they will have to turn to today's crop of stars, not least Sunday matchwinner and veteran striker Gabriel Batistuta, whose 56th goal for his country meant three vital points in the Group of Death.