Las Malvinas vs The Falklands

The World Cup, at times, goes beyond merely a sporting event. Watching Argentinians sing their national anthem will tell you that. After the preliminary round finished, most Argentines quietly noticed something: the possibility was there. Something they always secretly hope for. The possibility was there, another game versus England. This is significant. To this day, banners that say "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" can still be found at almost every football match in Argentina. That phrase is more than just a proclamation of ownership of the set of islands off Argentina's coast. It is a warning. A warning to England. a warning that says that the entire South American nation seeks revenge, revenge against England for what most Argentines view as thievery of "Las Malvinas," or as the English call them, the Falkland Islands. When the Argentine players tackle a little harder than normal, when the Argentine fans sing a little louder for this game. They are doing it for their fallen family members and countrymen. So this game means more. And it scares me.