Key Takeaways
- Lautaro Martinez's goal secured Argentina’s semi-final win over England.
- Fans thronged the streets of Buenos Aires, celebrating with blue-and-white flags and cheers.
- The match was seen as a symbolic victory for Argentina in light of their historical conflict with Britain.
When Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina’s winning goal in the 92nd minute, the city of Buenos Aires erupted into jubilation. The semi-final win over England on Wednesday night was celebrated by hundreds of thousands of football fans who thronged the streets, waving blue-and-white flags and chanting 'For the Malvinas, for Diego!'
The match ended with Argentina securing a 4-3 victory, which sent the city into a frenzy. Horns blared, fireworks popped, and the Obelisk landmark was engulfed in a sea of supporters. 'If you’re not jumping, you’re English!' chanted the leaping crowd as they made their way to the iconic landmark.
The match held significant symbolism for many Argentine fans, given that the country lost the Falklands War to Britain over what Argentines call the Malvinas in 1982. Four years after that defeat, football legend Diego Maradona knocked England out of the World Cup with two iconic goals: the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century.' The importance of Wednesday’s clash was therefore equal to a final.
Strangers across Buenos Aires embraced in joy as the packed pubs of the city center saw at least one marriage proposal. Shopkeeper Fabian Sidotti, 37, whose cheeks were painted with Argentine flags, said: 'Every match is the same for us. We fight right to the end and we end up winning.' He urged his compatriots to ‘keep cheering until the last minute’ when their team faces Spain on Sunday.
Fireworks popped off nearby as beating drums melded with chanting fans. A young man scaled a traffic light to wave the national flag, while another was wrapped head to foot in the same piece of fabric shouting: 'The Malvinas are ours, the World Cup is too! Ole, ole, ole, Messi, Messi!'
This match and this result were amazing.
Rogelio Diaz, 30-year-old farmer
'Every match is the same for us. We fight right to the end and we end up winning.'
Fabian Sidotti, Shopkeeper, 37 years old
