Argentina is pulling out all the stops for their World Cup semifinal clash against England on Wednesday, ditching their iconic sky blue and white stripes for a specific navy blue kit. This isn't just a wardrobe change, folks, it’s a full-on embrace of superstition, and if history is any guide, England has every reason to be rattled. La Albiceleste has a perfect 2-0 record against England in the World Cup when they wear that dark blue uniform, and you know they're doing everything in their power to defend their 2022 World Cup title.
The "Lucky" Blue That England Can't Shake
The record speaks for itself, according to the BBC. Argentina has faced England twice in World Cup matches while sporting the navy blue, and both times, they walked away with the win. It gets even wilder when you look at the flip side: Argentina lost their next game against The Three Lions in the 2002 World Cup, and guess what they were wearing? Their classic sky blue and white kit. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Is it superstition, or is there something truly intimidating about seeing Argentina in that specific shade of blue? England will certainly be looking to end their losing streak against a navy-colored Argentina and finally win their first semifinal match since 1966.Chaos, Controversy, and the "Hand of God"
The history tied to that navy blue kit is absolutely wild. The first time Argentina wore it against England was in the infamous 1986 World Cup quarterfinal. The game, played at Edson Passos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was scoreless through the first half. Then, in the 52nd minute, all hell broke loose. Argentinian star Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net with his hand. Despite massive protests from the English side who clearly saw the handball, Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser let the goal stand for La Albiceleste. Just three minutes later, Maradona scored a second goal, putting Argentina firmly in control. Gary Lineker managed to get one back for England in the 81st minute, but it was too little, too late. That controversial handball, which somehow wasn't seen by the ref, sent Argentina onward, and they eventually won the 1986 World Cup. Talk about a legendary, if not infamous, start for the navy blue. The drama continued when Argentina met England again in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16, also wearing the navy blue. That match, held at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in France, was perhaps even more chaotic. It ended in a 2-2 tie, with Argentina ultimately winning 4-3 in penalty kicks after Gabriel Bautista converted. So, yeah, the navy blue kit has seen some things, and it's always meant trouble for England. This Wednesday's semifinal isn't just another game. Argentina is putting all their chips on this "lucky" kit, hoping it will pave their way to defending their World Cup title. England has to overcome not only a formidable opponent but also years of history and, dare I say, a curse in navy blue. It's going to be absolutely insane to watch.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.