Key Takeaways
- Argentina will wear their dark blue away jersey in the World Cup semi-final against England.
- The shirt choice is linked to historical victories, including a 1986 quarter-final win over England.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel understands and respects the superstition.
In preparation for their World Cup semi-final match against England in Atlanta on Wednesday, Argentina will don their dark blue away jersey. This choice of kit is not merely a tactical decision but also steeped in football folklore, with the shirt carrying significant historical and cultural weight.
The dark blue jersey has been associated with some of Argentina’s most memorable World Cup moments. In 1986, during the quarter-finals in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored his iconic 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century,' leading to a 2-1 victory for Argentina while wearing this alternate strip. Twelve years later, at the 1998 World Cup in France, Argentina again wore dark blue when they defeated England on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his understanding of the superstition surrounding the jersey. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said, 'I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it.' He added that even at the highest level of professional sport, superstitions remain a powerful force in team dynamics.
Tuchel further elaborated, saying, 'We have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day, and that will not change. We have, of course, also our lucky charms, and these things are just normal in high-level sport.' His comments were met with laughter from those present.
Despite the significance of the dark blue kit, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared reluctant to fully embrace the superstition. He stated, 'Well, I didn’t ask for the blue one. I don’t know who did, but perhaps it’s tradition. I really don’t know. I can’t speak to that.'
The shirt choice also reflects Argentina's cultural heritage, featuring swirling blue fileteado-inspired motifs across a black base. Fileteado is a UNESCO-recognised style of decorative art and lettering from Buenos Aires, known for its vibrant colours, flowing floral motifs, 3D shading, and highly stylized Gothic typography.
Whether it is a lucky charm or just another shirt, Argentina will be hoping that history repeats itself with a win over England. The team's performance in the recent match against Switzerland, where they struck late in extra time to reach the semi-finals, suggests their belief in the jersey’s significance may not be unfounded.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense encounter, the dark blue kit stands as a symbol of Argentina's rich football history and cultural traditions. For England, understanding this superstition is crucial as they face a team that believes in more than just the power of their boots.
I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it.
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
Well, I didn’t ask for the blue one. I don’t know who did, but perhaps it’s tradition.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
