'Highest risk': FBI and police ramp up security for England-Argentina semi-final
England’s Fifa World Cup semi-final against Argentina has been designated the “highest risk” game of the competition by the United States’ FBI.
A pre-match meeting between Fifa, police and the FBI discussed the historical divide between the two nations and concerns that tensions could be raised between fans.
Supporters will be allowed to mix inside the stadium, as they have at every match throughout the tournament, but some measures are being taken to try to limit some interaction.
There will be two separate entry gates in Atlanta, Georgia, but officials are unable to keep fans apart once they take their seats.
Alongside the tie’s “highest risk” status, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement that its citywide public safety and security posture has been enhanced.
“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” the statement read.
The FBI has labelled England's World Cup semi-final with Argentina the "highest risk" match at the tournament. Photo / Getty Images
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
Tensions between the nations can be traced back to 1982 and Argentina’s invasion of the Falkland Islands.
The war between Britain and Argentina lasted for 74 days and resulted in the deaths of 907 people, including 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 from Britain and three Falkland Islanders.
A pre-match meeting between Fifa, police and the FBI discussed the historical divide between England and Argentina. Photo / Getty Images
Argentine forces surrendered on June 14, 1982, which effectively ended the conflict and handed victory to the British.
Back on the pitch, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup has been a sore spot for England supporters, but the Argentine forward followed it with one of the most impressive goals ever seen at the tournament.
Argentina’s players have been filmed throughout the tournament singing songs about the “Malvinas”, the name Argentina give to the islands, but coach Lionel Scaloni sent a message to fans to remind them the fixture is just a game.
“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match,” Scaloni said to the media.
“We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that.”
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford asked for calm before kickoff.
“It is just a game of football and two passionate sets of fans going there to watch a top-level game,” Pickford said.
Lionel Messi is set to play England for the first time in his career in the nations’ first match against each other since 2005.
The teams have played 14 times before, with England winning six times, Argentina twice and the other five being draws.
England won their last match against the South Americans 3-2 in Geneva, Switzerland, and secured victory in their last World Cup meeting in 2002.
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