Rivalry between Argentina and England has historically evoked a storm of emotions in these two football-obsessed nations. Events such as the 1982 Falklands War (known as Malvinas in Argentina) and Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in Mexico in 1986 have turned matches between England and Argentina into a political spectacle, where conflicts erupt on the field, tackles occur, red cards are issued by referees, and fans clash in the stands.
} }, 2. {However, in their home in Sharjah, an Argentine expat and his English wife discovered how love can overcome hate and political disagreements. Their marriage, which has lasted almost three decades, has also proven that football is ultimately just a game, even when played on a grand stage like the World Cup.
Jorge Ferrari, an experienced photographer from Sharjah who captured the famous tennis match between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi at the Burj Al Arab helipad in 2005, is a passionate supporter of the Argentine national team. But as Argentina prepares for the World Cup semi-final against England, he feels at ease because his wife, Rebecca, will not tease him if Lionel Messi's team is eliminated from the tournament.
He noted: 'She is not very into football, but she watches the World Cup, every England match. She supports her team; she doesn't tease me if England wins.' Ferrari added that at home they 'don't have any special stories because nothing extraordinary has ever happened.'
The couple met in Kuwait several years after Maradona's iconic match against England in 1986. They encountered something unusual when the teams met again at the World Cup in 1998. In the round of 16, David Beckham was sent off after a shot by Diego Simeone following a foul by an Argentine player, reducing England to 10 men against their fierce rivals. Nevertheless, England managed to advance past Argentina on penalties after the score remained tied at 2-2, although it was Argentina that won this shootout.
Ferrari recounted remembering watching this match with a group of English fans with whom they often spent weekends. He tried to behave impeccably, not shouting when Argentina scored goals. He emphasized that not only was his wife always calm, but he himself was very cautious around his English friends. However, when Argentina won, they all left without saying a word, and the hosts, who were also English, retreated to their bedrooms. Ferrari was left alone with his wife. They quietly left. Despite this, they remained good friends, but that moment was very awkward. Since then, he never watches matches with anyone else, preferring to watch at home, and his wife joins if it's not too late at night. She is always calm, supports her country, but does not go crazy over wins or losses, and always tolerates him, so home is the best place for him during the Argentine World Cup matches.
Rebecca, a big fan of former England striker Gary Lineker, hails from a small town in southwest England that lacks a major local club. She recalls: 'My hometown in Cornwall isn't very football-enthusiastic. Of course, everyone supports England and watches the World Cup. Football in general is very important in England, and people are very passionate. But when I once visited a stadium in Argentina for a club match, the atmosphere, the passion, were incredible. It was something I had never seen before.'
She also shared impressions of her husband's passion: 'My husband is very into football. When Argentina won the World Cup four years ago, we watched at home—me, my daughter, and my husband. And when they won the final (against France), I turned around to check on him. I thought he was having a heart attack. He just collapsed onto the sofa, lay on it, and I asked, 'What's wrong with you?' Then he got up and started shouting and jumping. It was incredible.'
Ferrari and Rebecca plan to watch the semi-final on Wednesday from the comfort of their living room. Ferrari mentioned telling his three children: 'One of them is in Saudi Arabia, and the other two are in Australia. I told them that on Wednesday they should choose their favorite parent. It was just a joke!'
When the final whistle blows on Wednesday, one team will jump for joy, and the other will fall to its knees. However, Ferrari and Rebecca have proven that even the outcome of the greatest international football confrontation can never be more important than the deep bond that unites them.
On Tuesday, fan zones and football viewing spots became arenas of boisterous cheers and disappointment as Egypt and Argentina played a very tense match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Federico Escobar, a Dubai resident who was in a shisha cafe filled with Egyptian fans, supported his homeland. He noted that he was the only Argentine present, so he did not actively cheer when the opposing team scored. Nevertheless, he expressed concern during the first half, stating that Egypt had played exceptionally well and they should be proud.
The Egyptian couple Mohamed and Bushra watched the match from a restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road, dressed in matching red jerseys. After the game, they expressed their disappointment but emphasized their pride in the team and its performance. Mohamed noted that the Egyptians completely dominated in the first half and added that some referee decisions were questionable, which led to a feeling of some disappointment.
Before the changes occurred, Egypt was leading by two goals and looked ready to pull off the biggest upset of the tournament. However, in the 79th minute, Romero scored the first goal for Argentina, after which Messi and Fernandez quickly added two more goals.
