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Moment Argentina players put fingers to their lips to silence fans before lifting banner claiming Falkland Islands after they knocked England out of World Cup
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37'
Yellow card Elliot ANDERSON (England) is booked by
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42'
Yellow card Lisandro MARTINEZ (Argentina) is booked by
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51'
Yellow card Cristian ROMERO (Argentina) is booked by
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55'
Goal Anthony GORDON (England) scores!!
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85'
Goal Enzo FERNANDEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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90'+2'
Goal Lautaro MARTINEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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90'+4'
Yellow card Rodrigo DE PAUL (Argentina) is booked
England squad
- Selected
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1 Jordan PICKFORD Goalkeeper
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4 Declan RICE Midfielder
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5 John STONES Defender
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6 Marc GUEHI Defender
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8 Elliot ANDERSON Midfielder
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9 Harry KANE C Forward
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10 Jude BELLINGHAM Midfielder
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17 Morgan ROGERS Midfielder
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18 Anthony GORDON Forward
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24 Reece JAMES Defender
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25 Djed SPENCE Defender
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2 Ezri KONSA Defender
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3 Nico OREILLY Defender
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7 Bukayo SAKA Forward
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11 Marcus RASHFORD Forward
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12 Trevoh CHALOBAH Defender
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13 Dean Henderson Goalkeeper
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14 Jordan HENDERSON Midfielder
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15 Dan BURN Defender
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16 Kobbie MAINOO Midfielder
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19 Ollie WATKINS Forward
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20 Noni MADUEKE Forward
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21 Eberechi EZE Midfielder
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22 Ivan TONEY Forward
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23 James TRAFFORD Goalkeeper
- Full squad
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26 Jarell QUANSAH Defender
Argentina squad
- Selected
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI C Forward
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
Argentina players sparked controversy after knocking England out of the World Cup semi-final by putting their fingers to their lips to hush celebrating fans before unfurling a banner laying claim to the Falkland Islands. The gesture, caught on camera in the immediate aftermath of the match, has reignited long-standing tensions between the two nations over sovereignty of the South Atlantic archipelago, a dispute that led to the 1982 Falklands War. The incident added a political dimension to what was already a fiercely contested sporting rivalry.
The provocative celebration came alongside separate reports that Argentina had lodged an official complaint over an "illegal" Royal Navy warship near the Falklands, a statement released after the semi-final win. The match itself was marked by ill-feeling, including footage of Jude Bellingham appearing to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco during celebrations, while England supporters clashed with fans in London, including one Argentina-shirted TikTok prankster needing police rescue in Piccadilly Circus. England manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his tactical approach as the Three Lions' World Cup campaign ended in defeat.
In short
- Argentina players hushed fans, then held up a Falklands claim banner
- Move follows Argentina's win over England in World Cup semi-final
- Comes amid separate row over Royal Navy warship near Falklands
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Argentina maintains a longstanding historical and legal claim to the Falkland Islands, a position supported by numerous Latin American nations and considered a matter of national sovereignty. Athletes across the world use prominent global platforms to express their country's political positions, and Argentina's banner was a peaceful statement of their nation's formal stance. Those supporting this view argue that such expression is a legitimate form of political speech and does not constitute inappropriate behaviour.
The case against
The Falkland Islands are inhabited by British citizens who have repeatedly voted to remain under British sovereignty, a democratic choice that deserves respect. The 1982 conflict between the nations resulted in hundreds of deaths, and deliberately invoking territorial disputes during World Cup celebrations risks unnecessarily inflaming historical wounds and tensions. Critics contend that major sporting events should serve as occasions for friendly international competition rather than platforms for geopolitical messaging.
Explained simply
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, located roughly 480 kilometres east of Argentina. Britain has administered the islands since 1833, though Argentina claims them based on colonial inheritance and geographical proximity.
In 1982, Argentina's military government invaded the Falkland Islands, triggering a ten-week military conflict with Britain that resulted in approximately 900 deaths. The conflict ended with an Argentine surrender, but the territorial dispute has never been resolved. Reclaiming the islands remains politically important for many Argentines.
Argentina and England are fierce football rivals, and their matches carry symbolic weight beyond the game because of this unresolved dispute. For many Argentines, victories over Britain hold significance beyond sport, and celebrations sometimes reference or invoke the territorial claim.
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