Argnetina to face England in World Cup semi-final (Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, AFP, Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister’s mother has revealed that her son’s obsession with the Premier League has completely changed her view of England. The Liverpool midfielder is likely to start in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final match against England on Wednesday. The two countries had notable matches at the World Cup in 1986 and 1998, further deepening their soccer history. However, this match also has a political background due to the 1982 Falklands War.
During the 74-day conflict, 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel lost their lives, as well as three civilians. The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory, claimed by Argentina and called the Malvinas Islands. “For the Malvinas, for Diego (Maradona), for Leo (Messi)’s last game,” Argentina’s players shouted about the Falkland Islands after their quarter-final victory over Switzerland. The players also joined in with the anti-British chant that Argentines have been singing for decades: “You see, those who don’t jump are British.” This background influenced how Silvina Riera, mother of Liverpool star Mac Allister, perceived England before her son moved to the Premier League. Silvina admitted that she had some misunderstandings before spending time in this country.
“I had quite a negative impression of England, at least when it came to living there, because of the cold and the lack of sunlight. I was so ignorant that I often said, ‘I wish I hadn’t gone to England,'” she said on Radio Mitre’s program Arghien Tien Que Desirlo.
“But now that I’ve experienced it, everything has changed. Even my perspective on people has changed. I expected to encounter cold and distant people, but in fact they are very polite and respectful. We were welcomed into a country that treated us in the best way.”
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
Regarding anti-British sentiment in Argentine football, she added: “There is a situation involving England that stems somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands. As (Argentina national team coach Lionel) Scaloni said, this is just a football match.”
“My granddaughter was born in England. So when everyone sings ‘He who doesn’t jump is British,’ I sit with her. I can’t be a part of it. I’m not in that part,” she laughed.
Alexis Mac Allister aims for second World Cup win (Image: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire, Getty Images))
Mac Allister is aiming to win back-to-back World Cups and has started all six of Argentina’s games in the tournament so far. Ahead of their semi-final encounter, the 27-year-old outlined his views on England’s rivalry and gave his thoughts on the Falklands War.
“We understand the context behind it, all the conflicts that have arisen from past events and history,” Mac Allister said. “Of course, we also know that this is not their people’s fault or ours, but rather the fault of those in power, so we should not confuse the two.
“I have a lot of respect for[England]. I’ve been there for six years and they’ve always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing point of view, there’s no doubt they want to beat us at all costs and it’s going to be a very tough game. So the challenge now is to prepare as best we can. It’s going to be a great battle on the pitch, with mutual respect.”
