World Cup Intel: The Craziest Moments In The History Of The Tournament

England And Argentina Literally Beat Each Up In 1998

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Photo Credit: Stu Forster /Allsport via Getty Images

This match between England and Argentina is remembered for how brutally each team fought. Most famously, David Beckham took out an Argentinian player just after half-time and was given a red card. The face of English soccer was 23-years-old at the time. After that, it was clear England was using the match as a revenge game.

England had never recovered from the “Hand of God” goal and took out their aggression in back-breaking fashion. The problem is, they almost broke their own backs in the process. With Beckham out, the team looked sure to lose. They successfully kept Argentina scoreless and forced a penalty shootout. Argentina won and advanced to the quarterfinals.