‘For Diego’: spectre of Maradona looms over Argentina ahead of England clash

The image of the national icon has been ever present through this World Cup, in banners and songs and memory. It adds a fresh layer to Wednesday’s semi-finalNot two minutes after his side’s dramatic, extra-time quarter-final victory over Switzerland on Saturday, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was already getting asked about the semi-final. Looming on the horizon was a matchup against bitter rivals England.“This won’t just be a special game from a footballing standpoint,” the reporter asked in Spanish, “but also in an emotional sense. How do you imagine you and the players will come out for this game and what message would you give to all of us Argentines that are …” Continue reading...